In this Series, Dr. Lustig and his UCSF colleagues dig deeper into the root causes of the obesity epidemic. Discover why what we eat is as important as how much we eat. Understand the effects of stress on obesity rates, and why some predict that the next generation will die younger than the current one due to obesity and the many health problems it causes.
Episodes Season Season 1 · 0/9 0/9 watched · 2012 S01E01 An Epidemic for Every Body 2012-04-12
How did we get so fat, so fast? The debut episode of this 7-part series debunks the theory that obesity only affects the “gluttons and sloths” among us and is, in fact, a public health problem that impacts everyone. more
S01E02 Sickeningly Sweet 2012-04-20
Dr. Robert Lustig illustrates the overabundance of sugar in today’s processed convenience foods and explains how our bodies metabolize these sugars in the same way as alcohol or other toxins, causing damage to the liver and other organs. more S01E03 Hunger and Hormones: A Vicious Cycle 2012-04-26
Sugar impacts the brain just as much as the waistline. In this episode, Dr. Robert Lustig explains the biochemical shifts that sugar causes, making us store fat and feel hungry at the same time. more S01E04 Sugar: A Sweet Addiction 2012-05-03
Sugar isn’t just sweet, it’s addictive. This episode explores the cycle of addiction that sugar causes in the brain, much in the same way as drugs and alcohol. more
S01E05 Generation XL 2012-05-10
An unnerving trend of obese infants is just one indication that obesity can be passed on from mother to fetus. This installment looks towards the next generation, with an emphasis on preventive care and pre-natal health. more
S01E06 A Fast-Paced Fast Food Life 2012-05-18
The pace of modern life is a key contributor to today’s obesity epidemic. UCSF’s Elissa Epel and Barbara Laraia explain the stress connection and offer practical and effective solutions that don’t involve dieting and exercise. more
S01E07 Drugs, Cigarettes, Alcohol...and Sugar? 2012-05-24
UCSF experts offer a frank indictment of the country’s agricultural policy and food industry, which have made it nearly impossible to avoid sugar in our daily diet, and suggestions for possible remedies. more
S01E08 Four Sweet Tips from Dr. Lustig (Extra Episode) 2012-05-10
Throughout “The Skinny on Obesity” series, Dr. Robert Lustig has made his case that sugar is a toxin that’s fueling the obesity epidemic. But what does he recommend we do about it in our daily lives? Here Dr. Lustig offers four useful tips to help you and your kids steer clear of excess sugar and overeating. more
S01E09 Diet and Lifestyle Tips from UCSF Experts (Extra Episode) 2012-05-18
Throughout "The Skinny on Obesity" series, Barbara Laraia and Elissa Epel of UCSF's Center for Obesity Assessment, Study and Treatment (COAST) have made the case that sugar and changes in the modern lifestyle have led to the global obesity epidemic. But what do they recommend we do about it in our daily lives? Here they share some helpful diet and lifestyle tips to keep you and your family on the slim side. more 
