"FAT"

I recently came across a PBS documentary entitled "Fat: What No One Is Telling You". No, it's not about people not telling you you're fat, but rather about the little-known but possibly beneficial information behind what could be causing the rising rate of obesity in the United States.

From the website:

"With 66 percent of U.S. adults either overweight or obese, our girth is a serious public health issue. Yet many of us still view being overweight as a character flaw, a lack of self-control, or eve

n a moral crime.

But does fat really equal failure? FAT: What No One Is Telling You explores the myriad psychological, physiological and environmental factors that can make it so tough to shed pounds and keep them off. "

What peaked my interest personally and as a student of Ecology of Food was the segment about research and studies on food psychology and how it pertains to the five overweight and formerly overweight individuals on whom the documentary focuses.

Rocky (far right), 19, interviews family members for a radio show he hosts that charts his experience of undergoing gastric bypass surgery. (Please excuse the watermarks on both photos...)

Carla tries to make the best decision out of what she has ordered at a typical chain restaurant, notorious for serving gratuitous portions.

But overall, I find it to be an interesting and engaging documentary, especially if you or a loved one does struggles or has struggled with obesity.

You can watch it for free either on YouTube (in 11 parts) or the PBS site.

It is also available for "Instant Watch" on Netflix.

-Kimberly P.