CNN Presents Classroom Edition: Fat Chance

Educator Guide

Background:

The medical community uses a term called "Body Mass Index," or "BMI," to determine how overweight a person is. According to the standard definitions of overweight and obesity used by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization, adults with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight, while adults with a BMI of 30 or more are considered obese.

Obesity is among the most significant public health problems in America today. Experts estimate that approximately 97 million adults in the United States are overweight or obese. According to the CDC, "the percentage of obese children and adolescents has more than doubled since the early 1970s. About 13 percent of children and adolescents are now seriously overweight."

Being overweight and obese puts people at higher risk for developing serious health problems like cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. The National Institutes of Health estimates that "the total costs attributable to obesity-related disease approach $100 billion a year."

Researchers are still learning about how and why obesity occurs, however, most heath experts agree that obesity develops as a result of an interaction between a person's genetic makeup and his/her environment, and that social, behavioral, cultural, psychological, and metabolic factors play a role.

Focus Questions:

Pose the following questions for class discussion to students prior to watching this CNN Presents Classroom Edition: Fat Chance. As they watch the program, students should add to their understanding of these topics. After viewing, you may wish to return to these focus questions to check for any changes in student responses.

1. What is obesity?

2. What are the health problems associated with being overweight?

3. To what extent is obesity a problem among your peers and in society in general?

4. What factors contribute to obesity?

5. Why is obesity considered a public health problem?

6. Why is it so difficult for many people to lose weight and keep it off?

7. What strategies can people employ to lose weight and keep it off?

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