Running head: THE WEIGHT OF THE NATION 1
The weight of the Nation
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THE WEIGHT OF THE NATION 2
The Weight of The Nation-Reflection
The HBO documentary series "The Weight of the Nation" shows the country's increased
rate of obesity. This topic stirs up many in the way Americans' diet affects children and adults.
As a result, many people are suffering from underlying problems such as diabetics, muscle pains,
and cancer. The documentary gives a big push to a demanding topic that should be given
attention. 70 % of American suffering from obese and overweight shows an alarming need to
address the problem (Hoffman, 2012).
The documentary is divided into four parts: consequences, choices, children in crisis, and
challenges. The breaking down of the problem clarifies the different factors that lead to the
current crisis. The food industry has contributed a lot to the problem by making food with zero
fruits and vegetables. The video offers weight loss tips and discusses all myths about dieting and
the challenges as well as benefits of bariatric surgery. The documentary questions the
advertisement of unhealthy food to children. Children tend to consume high calories with
minimal physical activities (Hoffman, 2012). Children tend to eat junk food due to the increasing
advertisement, lack of parental support in a healthy diet, and lack of legislation related to ads and
children.
Obesity pandemic can be seen from different perspectives that include cultural aspects,
social, economic factors, and biological urges to eat. The cultural perspective contains
convenient access to fast food. People are more attached to quick-fix meals without adding
healthy foods such as organic fruits and vegetables. The corporate world is driving everything
virtual, including meals (Hoffman, 2012). The need for increased profit leads to different
marketing strategies that attack the intake in fast food.
