Do we control our fat, or does it control us? Scientists are coming to understand fat as a fascinating and dynamic organ, one whose size has more to do with biological processes than personal choices. Through real life stories of hunter-gatherers, sumo wrestlers, and supermodels, NOVA explores the complex functions of fat and role it plays in controlling hunger, hormones, and even reproduction.
NOVA:The Truth About Fat For generations, fat has been the enemy. We’ve demonized it as a cumbersome health risk and cast overweight individuals as too gluttonous or lazy to make healthy choices. But scientists are coming to understand that fat is not so simple. In fact, it’s a fascinating and dynamic organ -- one whose size has more to do with biological processes than personal choices. Now, NOVA takes you inside the amazing world of fat. Why don’t sumo wrestlers don’t suffer from the health problems that other obese people do? Why has evolution hardwired us to hang onto fat even when it’s unhealthy? And what would happen if you had no fat at all? Through real-life stories of hunter-gatherers, supermodels, and a Biggest Loser contestant, NOVA explores the complex functions of fat and the role it plays in controlling hunger, hormones, and even reproduction.
Production Year: 2019
Copyright Year: 2020
Rating: TV-PG
Discs: 1
Length: 60 minutes
Subtitled: Y
Subtitle Languages: English (SDH)
CAST & CREW
Production Company: WGBH; ARTE France
Producer: Laurie Cahalane, Melanie Wallace, Sarah Holt, Jaro Savol
Executive Producer: Julia Cort, Chris Schmidt
Director: Sarah Holt
Narrator: Hope Davis
Writers: Sarah Holt