Diet & Weight Loss
12 Best Obesity Videos of 2012
Obesity has never been a bigger part of public health campaigns, and it is increasingly a focus of the international media. From insurance hassles to health problems, these insightful obesity videos cover the gamut of weight-related topics.
Find out how some determined individuals have overcome their weight issues, and even learn whether some people have a natural guard against obesity. Incisive commentary, excellent research, and a dash of drama make these videos the best of the best. Check them out!
The Colbert Report: The Obesity Epidemic, with Amy Farrell
To get things started on a high—and slightly sarcastic—note, this part-comedian, part-reporter introduces viewers to the concept of health independent of size. Despite his tongue-in-cheek remarks and irreverent treatment of everything from the President to a 4-month old baby, this newscaster sheds new light on obesity.
Thinking about unhealthiness at any size is, for many people (public health experts included), a new idea. Just watch to find out what happens when Amy Farrell brings her obesity knowledge to bear on the ever-entertaining Colbert Report.
Too Fat for 15: 500 Pounds and Counting
A startling story of weight, lifestyle, and positive personal growth, this inspiring documentary follows three teens on their journeys through Wellspring Academies camps for overweight youths. You may not believe your eyes and ears at first, but this program is one for the record books.
Find out how three youngsters—all
—fared in their attempts to curb their weight gain and improve their health. You will laugh, and you may cry. No matter the range or intensity of your reactions and emotions, you can’t help but love this touching story of determination and optimism.
Running for My Existence
This hit follows one very determined man in his commitment to make a change for the better—not just for himself, but for his young niece with Cystic Fibrosis. Find out how this obese 47-year old man began a very unique and personal journey toward health and hope.
With the Boston Marathon in his mind’s eye, this man took his first steps toward fitness. Years later, he surmounted every challenge he set out to accomplish, and continues to work for Cystic Fibrosis awareness. Show Roger your support by watching and simply being inspired.
Jamie Oliver’s TED Prize Wish: Teach Every Child about Food
Most people love TED Talks for their sensational commentary on important issues, and most people love Jamie Oliver for his sensational cooking. But what happens when you put the two together? This kick-butt video of Jamie’s incisive discussion of the relationship between children and food!
Find out how dysfunctional the connection between kids and foods has really become as well as what you can do about it. After all, celebrity inspiration certainly has its perks; Jamie tackles the serious subject of obesity, and he looks good doing it. Enough said.
Never, Ever Give Up: Arthur’s Inspirational Transformation
When a Veteran with leg braces and a cane was told he would never walk without assistance again, he believed it—for a little while. But when
put his mind toward weight loss and walking, he was able to truly transform his life.The inspirational story of determination, support, and more than a little bit of yoga, this fascinating tale shows viewers that truly anything is possible. In fact, Arthur’s story was such a success that it led to the creation of yet another top-notch documentary on obesity and health: Inspired.
UCTV Prime: The Skinny on Obesity
This seven-part documentary on obesity tells it like it is. From the history of human obesity to the vicious cycle of hormones and weight, it’s hard not to become an expert by watching this excellent series. In addition to being entertaining for the general population, this video is informative and just “cool” enough to be shown in schools.
This series tackles sugar, genes, fast food, our skinny past, and our favorite (other) vices (can you say smoking and boozing?). Discover the connections, the biology, and the facts behind this hot topic.
HBO: The Weight of the Nation
Most viewers may only be familiar with the scandalous, skin-sational HBO portfolio, but this keen examination of the U.S. obesity issue sheds a new light on HBO’s abilities. Renowned for the insight and public health promotion capability, The Weight of the Nation offers every viewer a chance to explore this emotionally charged topic from the perspective of health professionals, obese individuals, and the nation’s leading obesity experts.
Better still, this excellent film addresses a path to a healthier future for every American. Find out what you can do.
Discovery Health: Escape from Obesity
Obesity is the darling of documentary filmmakers, but the series of poignant short films on the Discovery Health online channel make the Escape from Obesity a uniquely subjective matter. This quick succession of obesity-related videos brings obesity into sharp focus by centering on the individuals affected.
Discovery Health has gone beyond the facts and figures of fatness and has dug deeply into the emotional and personal connections involved with weight and lifestyle. Find out how the subjects of these videos have addressed the issue closest to them: their own weight.
BBC: Why are Thin People Not Fat
This is certainly a fascinating documentary. A simple scientific experiment shows viewers that obesity can really be linked to each individual’s body and genetics. In this film, the
explores why some people simply don’t gain significant weight no matter how badly or how much they eat.Even more interesting, the volunteers’ return to baseline weight after the experiment ends will surprise (and frustrate) those among us who have to work hard to shed excess pounds. Check out this stellar film to understand the truth behind different body sizes and the natural variation in metabolisms.
Ellen Gustafson: Obesity + Hunger = 1 Global Food Issue
Yet another inspiring message from the TED Talks, this innovative approach to the obesity problem meets with its solution in yet another global problem: hunger. Ellen Gustafson’s unique plans address the worldwide food dilemma from one, united front in her short TED speech.
Co-creator of the popular charity-driven FEED bags, this bubbly speaker drives the obesity and food issue home in less than 10 minutes. Consider obesity in the biggest picture possible: the global food picture. Listen to find out how you can help remove the weight of the world from Ellen’s shoulders.
CDC-TV: The Obesity Epidemic
Short, sweet, and very informative, this public health documentary covers all of the essentials. From the causes of childhood obesity to its potential fixes, this video offers a well-grounded overview of the topic without being preachy.
If your time is limited but you want a trustworthy introduction to all things obesity, take the seven minutes to watch this straightforward video by the Centers for Disease Control. You’ll finish full of simple, effective ideas for promoting the best pathway to health for your community’s children.
What the Public Needs to Know about Weight Management Surgery
With all of the talk about weight loss surgery, it’s important to know what you should consider before seeking or avoiding such operations. Obesity expert Marc Bessler offers his advice and information on seeking gastric bypass or lap band surgery in the U.S., and urges viewers to begin the dialogue with a health professional if they are good candidates for surgery.
While not all obese individuals are appropriate candidates for surgery, Bessler argues that the vast majority of eligible individuals have not considered the surgery. Find out why by watching.
12 Best Obesity Videos of 2012 Closing
If you made it through all of the Best Obesity Videos, congratulations! Watching documentaries, public health campaigns, educational speeches, news clips, and even comedy skits can open people’s eyes to the importance of obesity in human health and society’s wellbeing.
Take advantage of the information and inspiration these excellent videos have to offer, and make room for a new obesity expert in the forum of multimedia and public discussion on obesity: you!
