Let’s Talk About FAT: A Communications Documentary to Spread Awareness of how Obesity is affecting Americans across the United States

COMM 4106: Communications Practicum

Spring 2021

Imani A. Swanson

Professor Reginald Franklin, Senior Project Advisor

Project Overview

My senior project is a documentary/short film on obesity in America. I will showcase how demographics, commercials, and culture can influence this health issues. I will also provide outlets and expertise that can decrease this common health crisis.

Research

Obesity in America is a common disease that affects some humans on a daily basis. It is such an important and ongoing topic that documentaries, films, and even television shows such as one of TLC’s hit reality series, My 600-lb life, has made it on our home screens. With that being said, “Let’s Talk About Fat.”

For decades obesity has lived amongst us in society; this disease has been “encouraged” throughout our lives. So, what do I mean by obesity being encouraged in our community? According to the CDC, processed packaged food, larger portions, and drive-thru meals are the “face” of the ideal American food. The reason being that its quick to get, cheap, and delicious. Because of this you will most likely find majority fast-food chains like McDonalds and Taco Bell in low-income neighborhoods. This study was conducted to determine was there in an increase in African American communities of being exposed to fast food restaurants.

Another contribution is the lack on inactivity. These last couple of decades it has been a decrease in daily activities that involve some type of exercise. Americans burn 120 to 140 less calories than they did 50 years ago. It was more common to do more labor that required more movement back in the 1950s-60s than we do currently. Unfortunately, it has become more common now due to the pandemic and quarantine; we are mandated to stay home and realistically people are not as motivated to do home workouts like they would in a physical gym. Because people are not as motivated to physically exercise it increases the rate of people being more overweight and obese than maintaining a healthy BMI.

Obesity is a very serious disease that is affecting more middle-aged adults. It is rare that young adults between the age of 18-24 years will experience obesity, however if we do not handle this epidemic carefully these percentages and statistics can change.

Adult obesity prevalence maps. (2020, September 21). Retrieved February 05, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/prevalence-maps.html

Home. (n.d.). Retrieved February 05, 2021, from https://www.paperdue.com/topic/obesity-essays

Hungry for change [watch now]. (n.d.). Retrieved February 05, 2021, from https://www.hungryforchange.tv/

Writers, S. (2021, February 02). Why are Americans Obese? Retrieved February 05, 2021, from https://www.publichealth.org/public-awareness/obesity/