The Big Ward

The Big Ward is a unique and powerful reality TV show that aired on TVNZ in 2016. The series offers an unflinching and authentic look at obesity, one of the most pressing public health issues in New Zealand. The show amalgamates touching human stories with intensive medical treatment, thus educating viewers about the complexity of obesity and offering an empathetic understanding of its sufferers.

The Big Ward follows the journey of a diverse group of overweight individuals battling obesity, who are preparing to undergo bariatric surgery in an attempt to regain control of their lives. These individuals include men and women of different ages, ethnicities, and social backgrounds, hailing from all across New Zealand. Each of them shares poignant stories about how they got to where they are now, providing a human face to the statistics about obesity in the country. Through their narratives, we get a deeper understanding of the multi-faceted reasons behind obesity, including genetic factors, unhealthy food habits, emotional eating, sedentary lifestyle, mental health issues, and socio-economic circumstances.

These participants didn't just wake up one day and decide to have weight loss surgery; each one of them has tried and failed multiple times at traditional weight loss methods, and the show unpacks their relentless struggle. The show is gritty and honest—it does not sugarcoat the reality of obesity, but neither does it belittle or ridicule the contestants. It presents their struggles, their strengths, their wins, and their setbacks in a respectful and inspirational manner.

The Big Ward is not just about the life-changing bariatric surgery, but also the strenuous journey that the individuals must undertake both pre-operation and post-operation. The participating individuals are required to lose weight before they can be approved for the surgery, and this test alone pushes them to their physical and mental limits. After the surgery, the difficult task of maintaining the weight loss begins, and viewers get to witness the emotional and psychological rollercoaster they go through.

The Big Ward illuminates the emotional turmoil faced by the patients in their everyday life – from their struggle with self-image, frustrating physical limitations, personal and professional challenges caused by obesity, to the emotional stress of undergoing a major surgery and dealing with its consequences. They must learn to confront their issues with food, cope with drastic changes in lifestyle, and daily activities we take for granted such as walking, shopping, or driving.

One of the most interesting aspects of the show is its depiction of medical professionals, including surgeons, dietitians, physiotherapists and psychologists who work with these patients. They not only offer their medical expertise but also psychological and emotional support to the patients at every step of their journey. They help the patients understand that bariatric surgery is not a magic pill— it's a tool for weight loss, but the real work involves significant changes to diet, physical activity, and lifestyle.

The program is admirable for the sensitiveness with which it tackles the issue of obesity, reinforcing the message that obesity is not a choice, nor a reflection of someone's character or willpower. It underscores the idea that obese individuals deserve the same respect and compassion as anyone else, and stigmatizing them can lead to harmful consequences.

The Big Ward is a compelling watch because it inspires and educates at the same time. While it’s heartbreaking to watch the struggles of the people involved, it’s also heartening to see their resilience and determination to change. More than just a reality show, it's a window into the lives of these individuals as they navigate their way through a health crisis that is not as black and white as one might think. The show stirs up a conversation about the obesity epidemic in New Zealand, highlighting the pressing need for societal and systemic changes to counter the problem. At the same time, it provides valuable lessons on empathy, perseverance, and the human capacity to change, making it an engaging and thought-provoking watch.