Watch Fat Plague

The Channel 4 documentary series, Fat Plague, is a thought-provoking and concerning exploration of the worldwide obesity epidemic. Hosted by Dr. Rachel Batterham, an obesity specialist from University College London, the series delves into the reasons why obesity rates continue to rise and the devastating health consequences that result.

The first episode provides an overview of the problem, with Dr. Batterham presenting the staggering statistics around obesity. Currently, 13% of the world's adult population is obese, and by 2045, that number is expected to rise to 22%. Along with this increase, there has been a proportional rise in health problems such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, all of which are strongly linked to obesity.

One of the show's strengths is its willingness to look at the complex factors involved in the obesity crisis, beyond the simplistic "people need to eat less and exercise more" mantra. For example, the second episode is focused on the food industry and how it perpetuates obesity, even when it's not explicitly trying to. The show explores the ways in which highly processed foods, engineered for maximum flavor and shelf-life, can be so addictive that people can't stop eating them.

Another episode focuses on the psychological factors that contribute to obesity, such as stress, trauma, and addiction. The show interviews people who have struggled with obesity for years and uncovers the deep emotional roots that often underpin it. This episode highlights the need for compassionate, evidence-based care that addresses the whole person, rather than simply prescribing a restrictive diet and exercise.

Fat Plague also delves into the societal factors that perpetuate obesity, such as poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and systemic racism. In one episode, Dr. Batterham travels to New Orleans, which has one of the highest obesity rates in the US, to explore the racial and class disparities that are so closely linked to obesity. This episode is a reminder that addressing the obesity crisis requires systemic changes that go beyond individual behavior change.

Throughout the series, Dr. Batterham is an engaging and empathetic host, who never shies away from the difficult questions. She is a firm believer that obesity is a disease, rather than a personal failing, and her commitment to treating it as such is both refreshing and inspiring.

Overall, Fat Plague is a powerful and informative series that sheds light on an urgent global health crisis. By exploring the many complex factors that contribute to obesity, the show provides a nuanced view of the issue and offers hope that a solution is possible. While the subject matter is difficult, the series is never preachy or judgemental, and it's impossible not to be moved by the stories of the people who struggle with obesity every day. This is a series that deserves a wide audience and has the potential to spark important conversations around health and wellbeing.