Since becoming a college student about two years ago, I haven’t watched nearly as much television as I did in my high school days.

Now that I finally have a summer semester to sit back and relax,

I’ve found I have not missed much. Surprisingly though, I have found a quality program in one of the worst genres ever created – reality TV. This show has actually inspired me to continue to work out.

I’m referring to Celebrity Fitness Club 2.

VH1 gives a brief explanation of the first episode on its Web site. Eight celebrities are separated into two teams to participate in a 16-week contest to lose weight.

The winning team wins a grand prize. Each celebrity takes a physical, finds out their body-fat percentage and hears what possible health risks they have by being overweight or obese.

Later on in the show, the celebrities find out their weight as well as their weight-loss goals. Phil Margera, father of the infamous Bam Margera and one of the “characters” on the show, has to lose 80 pounds from his more than 350-pound frame.

The most interesting part of this show is when the celebs are introduced to drill Sergeant Harvey Walden IV and his fitness camp.

This Chicago native is a no-nonsense Marine who gives these pampered stars a hard time and does not mind spewing a few insults at them, either.

While most viewers probably hate this guy for being a jerk, Walden is trying to motivate the celebrities. And his motivation tactics get results.

Walden’s Web site says he “has trained numerous platoons, making men into Marines, and pushes his teams to their absolute limit, setting records with each platoon in drill and fitness tests, along with outstanding marksmanship.”

This type of discipline may be a little over-the-top, although judging by the obesity rate of the U.S., maybe we all need is a swift kick in the butt.

According to WebMD Medical News’ Miranda Hitti, the University of Baltimore’s Obesity Initiative’s report card on America shows that we have some improving to do in stopping obesity.

While Illinois received a grade of ‘C’ for its overall efforts to control obesity, the adult obesity rate in this state ranges between 20 and 24 percent.

Celebrity Fitness Club 2 shows how tough it is for even spoiled celebrities to lose weight.

Many Americans can identify with these characters’ struggles to stay in shape, as the show’s popularity has continued to grow.

I applaud Wendy Kaufman (the Snapple Lady who was on the first season) for having the courage to go through this series again, as she has gained weight since her first appearance.

I know firsthand the reward of losing weight can be a great confidence boaster, and more importantly, will help keep you a healthy person.

Now, if only I could receive a grand prize for it.

Columns reflect the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the Northern Star staff.