As you read, there are a number of influences on hunger and body weight (beginning on pg. 377), including genetic and environmental influences. I’ve linked below a part of an excellent HBO documentary called The Weight of the Nation. We will focus in on Part 2: Choices, which gives some insight into the behavioral, psychological, and environmental, and genetic contributions to weight.

The Weight of the Nation: Part 2 – Choices (HBO Docs) (Links to an external site.)The Weight of the Nation: Part 2 – Choices (HBO Docs)

As you think about hunger and weight, consider any and/or all of these questions:

What are some contributions to weight?
What environmental challenges do modern Americans face to manage weight?
What psychological factors impact weight management?
Why is it so challenging to lose weight (or stay the same weight)?
Why don’t diets typically work?
How do “set points” and metabolisms have an impact?
What challenges and social barriers exist for individuals who weigh more?
What are some tips for healthy weight management – and why?
These links are OPTIONAL to watch, but if you enjoyed the documentary, here are links to Parts 1, 3, and 4!

Part I – Consequences:The Weight of the Nation: Part 1 – Consequences (HBO Docs) (Links to an external site.)The Weight of the Nation: Part 1 – Consequences (HBO Docs)

Part III – Children in Crisis:The Weight of the Nation: Part 3 – Children in Crisis (HBO Docs) (Links to an external site.)The Weight of the Nation: Part 3 – Children in Crisis (HBO Docs)

Part IV- Challenges:The Weight of the Nation: Part 3 – Challenges (HBO Docs) (Links to an external site.)The Weight of the Nation: Part 3 – Challenges (HBO Docs)

Finally, here is a link to the National Institutes of Health page that specifically talks about the HBO series Weight of the Nation, and provides links to other great health and weight-related resources

https://www.nih.gov/health-information/nih-weight-nation (Links to an external site.)