Anna Nicole Smith, Trimspa and Howard Stern

Can the Media Really Tell Us to Go on a Diet?

We all have them.  Them being that one weight-loss commercial that resonates with us.  My favorite one is somewhat flashy and features Anna Nicole Smith.  Not only has she lost weight and gained a new sense of adventure most of us would have never fathomed but has had a major overhaul - right down to the Chiclet-shaped  (and colored) teeth.  Even when she purrs, 'Do you like my body', I am actually happy for her.  No, she is not a friend of mine nor do I have a particular admiration for her or what she represents.  In fact, I listened to the pre-satellite Howard Stern show where he "introduces" her to this particular diet company.  At the time, they were sponsors of the Stern show and when you look at that entire scenario and its players, it was PR marketing at its best.  Now to imply that Stern is solely responsible for Smith's weight loss or that she maintained her daily caloric intake and/or exercise regimen might be a stretch; especially since she was a good two-hundred pounds on her 2003 E! network reality series that was taped months prior to her endorsement.  Reports have stated that she lost nearly 70 pounds in just a few short months.