There are so many different thoughts and opinions with regard to the current obesity epidemic. This 7-part video series from the researchers at UCTV Prime takes a serious, scientific look at this complex plague. I found it to be both fascinating and informative.
The debut episode “An Epidemic for Every Body” debunks the theory that obesity only affects the “gluttons and sloths” among us and is, in fact, a public health problem that impacts everyone.
The Skinny on Obesity: An Epidemic for Every Body
How sweet is sweet?
We all know that there is a strong correlation between sugar intake and obesity, but the metabolic consequences of high sugar consumption actually go way beyond obesity.
In episode 2 titled “Sickeningly Sweet,” Dr. Robert Lustig illustrates the overabundance of sugar in today’s processed convenience foods and explains how our bodies metabolize these sugars in the same way as alcohol or other toxins, causing damage to the liver and other organs.
The Skinny on Obesity: Sickeningly Sweet
Hunger and Hormones
In episode 3 of The Skinny on Obesity called “Hunger and Hormones- A Vicious Cycle,” Dr. Robert Lustig explains the biochemical shifts that sugar causes, making us store fat and feel hungry at the same time. The two hormones that we will look at in this video are Insulin and leptin.
Hunger and Hormones – A Vicious Cycle
How Obesity changes our Brain
In episode 4 of The Skinny on Obesity, we’ll look at how sugar changes the rewards center of our brain. Sugar isn’t just sweet, it’s addictive. This episode called “Sugar – A Sweet Addiction” explores the cycle of addiction that sugar causes on a biological level, much in the same way as drugs and alcohol.
Sugar – A Sweet Addiction
Can your mothers diet make you fat?
An unnerving trend of obese infants is just one indication that obesity can be passed on from mother to fetus. Episode 5 looks towards the next generation, with an emphasis on preventive care and pre-natal health.
Generation XL
Fast food + fast life = early death
The pace of modern life is a key contributor to today’s obesity epidemic. In Episode 6 UCSF’s Elissa Epel and Barbara Laraia explain the stress connection and offer practical and effective solutions that don’t involve dieting and exercise.
A Fast-Paced Fast Food Life
The relationship between stress and obesity
In episode 7, the final installment of this series, experts from UCSF offer a frank indictment of the country’s agricultural policy and food industry, which have made it nearly impossible to avoid sugar in our daily diet, and suggestions for possible remedies.
Drugs Cigarettes Alcohol…and Sugar?
Counting the cost
Now that you’ve experienced this rather revealing glimpse into the cause and effect of obesity, how will you respond? We are all involved either directly or indirectly. That means that we all share some responsibility. In the long run, we are either part of the solution or part of the problem. The choice is yours!
Special thanks to UCTV Prime, Dr. Lustig and his UCSF colleagues.
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Excellent post. The trend of obesity has catastrophic consequences to our communities ,our country and our world. It is in everyone’s power to make better choices with our diet and avoid the over processed foods all around us.