The Weight of the Nation

Watch The Weight of the Nation

  • TV-PG
  • 2012
  • 1 Season
  • 7.2  (154)

The Weight of the Nation is a documentary series produced by HBO that highlights the critical issue of obesity in the United States. The series is divided into four parts, each focusing on a different aspect of the obesity epidemic, from the health consequences of being overweight to the environmental and social factors that contribute to weight gain.

The first part of the series, "Consequences," explores the medical impact of obesity. Viewers are introduced to Larry Dwyer, a man in his 50s who has struggled with weight his entire life. Larry has a myriad of health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea, all of which are linked to his excess weight. Throughout the series, we follow Larry as he tries to lose weight and improve his health, while also meeting other individuals who have been impacted by obesity-related health problems.

The second part of the series, "Choices," looks at the role of diet and exercise in weight gain and loss. We meet Cindy Roach, a mom in her 40s who used to be an athlete but has struggled to maintain a healthy weight in recent years. Cindy is determined to lose weight and sets out on a journey to change her eating habits and increase her physical activity. Along the way, viewers learn about portion sizes, calorie counting, and other strategies for losing weight and keeping it off.

In the third part of the series, "Children in Crisis," we see how the obesity epidemic is affecting younger generations. We meet several families with overweight and obese kids, and hear about the challenges they face in trying to help their children adopt healthy habits. We also learn about the role of marketing and the food industry in shaping children's attitudes towards food and exercise.

The fourth and final part of the series, "Challenges," examines the societal and environmental factors that contribute to the obesity epidemic. We meet Dr. Gerald Berenson, a public health expert who has spent decades studying the impact of poverty and inequality on health outcomes. Dr. Berenson highlights the ways in which our built environment (such as the design of our communities and transportation systems) can make it difficult for people to be active and eat healthily. The series ends on a hopeful note, with a call to action for policymakers, community leaders, and individuals alike to work together to address the obesity epidemic.

Overall, The Weight of the Nation is an eye-opening and thought-provoking series that highlights the urgent need to address the obesity epidemic in the United States. It provides a comprehensive overview of the issue, from the health consequences of being overweight to the complex societal and environmental factors that contribute to weight gain. Through the stories of Larry, Cindy, and others, viewers are given a glimpse into the personal experiences of those impacted by obesity-related health problems. The series also offers practical strategies and advice for individuals looking to lose weight and improve their health, as well as a broader call to action for society as a whole to address this critical public health issue.

The Weight of the Nation is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (14 episodes). The series first aired on May 14, 2012.

The Weight of the Nation
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Seasons
Nashville Takes Action: A City Battles Obesity
14. Nashville Takes Action: A City Battles Obesity
May 14, 2012
See the exciting and healthful transformations taking place in Nashville, TN in this short documentary. Follow some of the people and programs throughout the city that are striving to make a difference in the health of its citizens.
Overweight in the Workplace: Wellness Programs
13. Overweight in the Workplace: Wellness Programs
May 14, 2012
Inside the impressive workplace wellness program at Nabholz Construction Corporation in Conway, Arkansas.
Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby: The Risks of Excess Weight
12. Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby: The Risks of Excess Weight
May 14, 2012
Curtailing the obesity epidemic for the next generation is the focus of this documentary that offers ideas on intervention during pregnancy and early childhood.
Can a Lifetime of Excess Weight Lead to Heart Disease?
11. Can a Lifetime of Excess Weight Lead to Heart Disease?
May 14, 2012
Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones delves into the basics of cardiovascular disease, including how it begins early in life and its direct connection to weight gain.
Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
10. Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
May 14, 2012
Dr. David Nathan, director of the Diabetes Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, offers an overview on everything you need to know about diabetes: the scope of the epidemic, major risk factors, the connection to obesity, diagnosis and complications, methods of prevention, treatment, and more.
Stigma: The Human Cost of Obesity
9. Stigma: The Human Cost of Obesity
May 14, 2012
Overweight and obese people discuss the stigma and discrimination they have faced because of their weight in this short documentary.
Is Weight Something We Inherit?
8. Is Weight Something We Inherit?
May 14, 2012
Renowned geneticists answer the most frequently asked questions about whether or not we inherit our weight problems, how our genes interact with the environment, and more.
The Quest to Understand the Biology of Weight Loss
7. The Quest to Understand the Biology of Weight Loss
May 14, 2012
Explore the whys of weight gain and loss and the inner workings of the human metabolism in this documentary.
Latino Health Access: A Model of Community Action
6. Latino Health Access: A Model of Community Action
May 14, 2012
An inside look at the inspired efforts of Latino Health Access and its dynamic founder America Bracho, MD, MPH.
Poverty and Obesity: When Healthy Food Isn't an Option
5. Poverty and Obesity: When Healthy Food Isn't an Option
May 14, 2012
This film heads to New York City, Philadelphia and Nashville for a sweeping view of the issues surrounding disparities in obesity and related chronic diseases.
Challenges (Part 4)
4. Challenges (Part 4)
May 14, 2012
The myriad of cultural factors involved in the nation's obesity epidemic are explored in this documentary. See the various factors that play into Americans making poor health decisions and the multidimensional approach needed to turn the epidemic around.
Children in Crisis (Part 3)
3. Children in Crisis (Part 3)
May 14, 2012
Explore the damage of obesity on children in the U.S. in this documentary that follows the families of four kids as they seek help and try to make positive lifestyle changes.
Choices (Part 2)
2. Choices (Part 2)
May 14, 2012
Get the skinny on fat, weight loss, and more in this documentary. Stories include: weight-loss tips from a supervised program at Washington University; the history and myths of dieting; the benefits and drawbacks of bariatric surgery; and more.
Consequences (Part 1)
1. Consequences (Part 1)
May 14, 2012
The long-term health consequences of obesity are explored in this documentary. Stories include: a unique study that linked early childhood weight problems with adult heart disease; the negative impact of excess weight on liver function; and more.
Description
Where to Watch The Weight of the Nation
The Weight of the Nation is available for streaming on the HBO website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Weight of the Nation on demand at Max, Amazon Prime, Amazon, HBO NOW, Vudu, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    May 14, 2012
  • IMDB Rating
    7.2  (154)