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Obesity Myth, The (ATOM Study Guide)

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Year Levels: 9-10

Streaming Content: Obesity Myth, The

Fifty years ago obesity barely existed. Today, two out of three Australian adults are either clinically obese or overweight. It’s predicted children born today will be the first generation to die at an earlier age than their parents from obesity related conditions like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. So why, in the midst of a global obesity epidemic, are obese people judged, criticised and shunned? The Obesity Myth challenges the commonly held view that obesity is a lifestyle choice by following the work done at Austin Health.

Backed by new research, Austin Health in Melbourne treats obesity as a genetic illness. International obesity expert Professor Joe Proietto is the softly spoken head of its Weight Control Clinic. He believes people are obese because they experience significantly more hunger and need more food to feel full than a thin person. And it’s all to do with their genes.

The 3x1 hour documentary series follows the incredible work of the doctors at Austin Health, a public hospital in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, as they transform the lives of people battling obesity. For patients who often wait up to two years for an appointment, the treatment begins with an extremely low carb diet, often followed by appetite suppressing medication.

The series follows several weight loss patients including Karen - a 40-year-old wheelchair bound wife who tops the scales at 246kg. Despite being a patient at the clinic for more than twelve months, Karen's weight loss is showing little progress causing Professor Proietto to raise concerns about the support of those around her. Cara, a 32-year-old stroke victim, who has battled weight her whole life, is facing the terrifying prospect of life in a nursing home because her excess weight means she cannot look after herself. And greyhound-loving Wayne, diagnosed with weight related diabetes as a teen, is now facing foot amputation aged 40.

For patients who struggle on Professor Proietto’s diet, the last resort is bariatric surgery in which most of the patient’s stomach is removed. Headed by Mr. Ahmad Aly, Austin Health’s bariatric clinic performs 80 operations each year.

Surgery patients featured in the series include former New Zealand national gridiron player Robert who weighs more than 200kg and faces premature death if he can’t lose weight. Huss is a Lebanese Australian boxer who undergoes bariatric surgery and then struggles to deal with eating vastly reduced amounts of food.

The Obesity Myth highlights the challenges faced by the obese patients and the medical staff who care for them. Through their stories we reveal the broader challenges facing our medical system as it tries to deal with the obesity epidemic.

Curriculum Links

The Obesity Myth can be linked to the following subject areas of the Australian National Curriculum: