The Weight of the Nation series is a special project of HBO and the Institute of Medicine in association with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health, in partnership with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and Kaiser Permanente.
The Weight of the Nation features case studies, interviews with experts and individuals and their families struggling with obesity. The first film, Consequences, examines the scope of the problem and the serious health consequences of being overweight or obese. The second, Choices reveals what science has shown about how to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. The third, Children in Crisis, focuses on the damage obesity is doing to children and the strong forces at work causing children to consume too many calories. The fourth film, Challenges, examines the driving forces causing the obesity epidemic.
Using this series as a tool for professional development, the Department of Health organized group viewings followed by discussion and learning sessions. Over 6,000 employees participated around the state. As a result, more than 2,600 continuing education credits were earned in 2013.
Watch The Weight of the Nation series to learn more or host your own viewing session.