Roger Bingham takes viewers to the Pima Indian Reservation in Arizona. Obesity runs rampant among the Pimas, resulting in an epidemic of diabetes and hypertension. Their weight problem can be linked in part to what scientists call a "thrifty gene," which during ancient times enabled the Pimas to store fat when food was in short supply.

FAT CITY also investigates other genetic and environmental factors that may account for expanding waistlines, including metabolic rate, diet, exercise, and the brain's biochemistry. Bingham discusses the controversial "set point theory" of weight regulation, an internal mechanism that seems to keep weight within a fairly constant range.

See FAT CITY for a scientific, yet light-hearted and compassionate understanding of obesity.



Grade Level: 7-12, College, Adult
US Release Date: 1990     Copyright Date: 1990
DVD ISBN: 1-59458-841-4     VHS ISBN: 1-56029-082-X

Reviews "Fascinatingly illuminated are the interrelationships of genetic predisposition, metabolic rate and efficiency, and biochemical mechanisms in causing obesity. An informed and enlightening resource for science and health classes." Booklist "An interesting and exceptionally well-made program...The video is educational rather than persuasive in nature. Bingham is not pushing a product, promoting a fad diet, or promising magic results; he is merely offering information...Very highly recommended." **** Video Rating Guide for Libraries