Ep 11. Eat This!

In the eleventh episode of Penn and Teller Bullshit season 1, titled "Eat This!," the dynamic duo takes on the world of fad diets, weight loss supplements, and the myth of the "perfect" body.

The episode begins with Penn and Teller acknowledging that their own bodies are not deemed conventionally attractive by society's standards, but they reject the notion that thinness equals health and beauty. They interview several individuals who have been victims of the diet industry's upselling of their products, including a woman who spent over $20,000 on various supplements and weight loss programs without seeing any results, and a man who was convinced to buy a "magic" belt that promised to burn calories simply by wearing it.

Next, Penn and Teller examine the absurd and often harmful advice given by celebrity fitness gurus and influencers. They expose the fat-phobia that is rampant in the fitness industry, showing how some instructors use shame and guilt to motivate clients to lose weight, rather than promoting healthy habits and self-acceptance.

One of the highlights of the episode comes when Penn and Teller meet with a man named Tom Naughton, who created a satirical documentary called "Fat Head" in response to the anti-fat propaganda perpetuated by the media and health industry. Naughton argues that the obsession with low-fat diets and demonization of saturated fats has actually led to an increase in obesity rates, as people consume more sugar and processed foods in an effort to avoid fat.

Finally, Penn and Teller investigate the idea of "clean eating," which has gained popularity in recent years. They reveal that the term "clean" has no scientific basis and is often used to shame individuals who may not have access to expensive organic produce or time to prepare complex meals. They also note that the pressure to eat "clean" can lead to disordered eating and even orthorexia, a disorder characterized by obsessive behavior towards healthy eating.

Throughout the episode, Penn and Teller use their trademark humor and skepticism to challenge the viewer's assumptions about diet and fitness. They ultimately conclude that the key to health and happiness is not found in a particular diet or exercise regimen, but in finding a balanced approach that works for each individual.

Overall, "Eat This!" is an informative and entertaining episode that exposes the scams and lies perpetuated by the billion-dollar diet industry while promoting body positivity and self-love.