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Must-See Documentary: The Weight of the Nation

 

weight of the nation


Have you heard about the HBO documentary series “The Weight of the Nation?” It is a 4-part series that looks to uncover the real issues behind the obesity epidemic, including: causes, health implications, costs, and potential strategies for prevention. Each film focuses on four different aspects of the disease in America: Consequences, Choices, Children in Crisis, and Challenges, with a consistent theme “To Win, we have to Lose”. The production is a collaborative effort of HBO documentaries and the following groups:

  • The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies (IOM)
  • The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  • Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
  • Kaiser Permanente

The timing of these films with the 2012 HMR Triple Imperative Challenge had me appreciate the fact that we focus on this push as an HMR community; having a health focus by role modeling and practicing a healthy lifestyle to manage weight. This is the challenge the entire country needs to take on every day.

 

I had the privilege of attending a pre-screening of the 3rd installment, “Children in Crisis” here in Boston. Afterward, several of the experts featured in the film shared their perspective in a panel discussion focusing on finding solutions, rather than placing blame. Raising awareness of how this disease impacts the family and an individual’s quality of life issues was clear. This I saw as a positive message which will allow families to move forward, seek help and practice healthier lifestyle habits.

Did you watch the series? For those who do not have HBO as a cable channel, the films will be available to watch on the website, http://theweightofthenation.hbo.com/films, and are also available as free downloads on iTunes (just search for “The Weight of the Nation” under TV Shows).

If you saw the films, let us know what you thought. We’d like to hear from you!

 

 


 
 
 

by ChristineWeithman on 06/13/2012 | Share Story With a Friend

tags: Weight-Loss, motivation

About the Author

Christine Weithman

Chris is a Registered Dietitian (RD), working at HMR since 1987. Her experience leading the product development team makes her uniquely qualified to answer nutrition-related questions about the HMR foods and various diet options.

Comments (1) Post a comment
I was particularly struck by the "Children in Crisis" chapter because it exposed how severe childhood obesity is in different parts of the country and what might happen if nothing is done to end childhood obesity. One statistic I remember from the section was 1 in 3 children born after 2000 will develop diabetes sometime in their lifetime...what a wake up call for the US to aggressively work to end obesity in our country and help people live healthier, longer lives!!
by sailGirl on 06/13/2012