Documentary details obesity epidemic

The Whitefish Community Center with the support of North Valley Hospital will screen three parts of a documentary series called “The Weight of the Nation: Confronting America’s Obesity Epidemic” at 7 p.m. on three consecutive Mondays, Oct. 8, 15 and 22, at the Whitefish Community Center, 121 E. Second St.

The documentary was developed by HBO in conjunction with several of the nation’s leading research and health-care organizations. The series is part of an effort to combat the rise in childhood obesity and is one of the most far-reaching public education campaigns regarding the obesity epidemic to date.

In the United States, 68 percent of adults age 20 and over are overweight or obese, while 31.7 percent of the nation’s children and adolescents ages 2 to 19 are overweight or obese. Obesity contributes to five of the 10 leading causes of death in America, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and stroke.

Each part covers a different aspect of obesity in America:

n Oct. 8: Consequences — Explores the scope of our nation’s obesity problem and health consequences of being overweight and obese.

n Oct. 1: Choices —Talks about how to lose weight and how it comes down to the everyday choices we make in regard to food and exercise.

n Oct. 22: Children in Crisis — Confronts the challenges of combating childhood obesity and the importance of proper nutrition and activity for the future health and wealth of the nation.

Each part is approximately one hour long and will be followed by a panel discussion of local experts in the field. Healthy snacks will be provided. 

The screenings are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Whitefish Community Center at 862-4923 or visit www.whitefishcommunitycenter.org.