The Skinny on Obesity

Synopsis

In this Series, Dr. Lustig and his UCSF colleagues dig deeper into the root causes of the obesity epidemic. Discover why what we eat is as important as how much we eat. Understand the effects of stress on obesity rates, and why some predict that the next generation will die younger than the current one due to obesity and the many health problems it causes.

First Air Date: 2012-04-12

Last Air Date: 2012-05-24

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 9

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

Robert Lustig as Dr. Robert Lustig
Elissa Epel as Elissa Epel

Seasons

Season 1 (2012)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: An Epidemic for Every Body (2012-04-12)

How did we get so fat, so fast? The debut episode of this 7-part series debunks the theory that obesity only affects the “gluttons and sloths” among us and is, in fact, a public health problem that impacts everyone.
Ep. 2: Sickeningly Sweet (2012-04-20)

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.
Ep. 3: Hunger and Hormones: A Vicious Cycle (2012-04-26)

Sugar impacts the brain just as much as the waistline. In this episode, Dr. Robert Lustig explains the biochemical shifts that sugar causes, making us store fat and feel hungry at the same time.
Ep. 4: Sugar: A Sweet Addiction (2012-05-03)

Sugar isn’t just sweet, it’s addictive. This episode explores the cycle of addiction that sugar causes in the brain, much in the same way as drugs and alcohol.
Ep. 5: Generation XL (2012-05-10)

An unnerving trend of obese infants is just one indication that obesity can be passed on from mother to fetus. This installment looks towards the next generation, with an emphasis on preventive care and pre-natal health.
Ep. 6: A Fast-Paced Fast Food Life (2012-05-18)

The pace of modern life is a key contributor to today’s obesity epidemic. UCSF’s Elissa Epel and Barbara Laraia explain the stress connection and offer practical and effective solutions that don’t involve dieting and exercise.
Ep. 7: Drugs, Cigarettes, Alcohol...and Sugar? (2012-05-24)

UCSF experts 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.
Ep. 8: Four Sweet Tips from Dr. Lustig (Extra Episode) (2012-05-10)

Throughout “The Skinny on Obesity” series, Dr. Robert Lustig has made his case that sugar is a toxin that’s fueling the obesity epidemic. But what does he recommend we do about it in our daily lives? Here Dr. Lustig offers four useful tips to help you and your kids steer clear of excess sugar and overeating.
Ep. 9: Diet and Lifestyle Tips from UCSF Experts (Extra Episode) (2012-05-18)

Throughout "The Skinny on Obesity" series, Barbara Laraia and Elissa Epel of UCSF's Center for Obesity Assessment, Study and Treatment (COAST) have made the case that sugar and changes in the modern lifestyle have led to the global obesity epidemic. But what do they recommend we do about it in our daily lives? Here they share some helpful diet and lifestyle tips to keep you and your family on the slim side.