mango

mondo

films INT.

münchen  -  los angeles

More than 50% of the US population is overweight. Obesity is a serious health problem with a deep impact on America’s economy. As the industry reacts to the changing needs, XXL is becoming a new common size. Movie theatres, hospitals and even coffin makers have already adapted to the situation. Overweight causes increased health costs as people with weight issues are not as productive as others. Modern companies provide employees with on location gyms, weight watchers programs or cooking classes. But it’ s hard to lose weight in a culture of convenient cars and yummy fast food. Diets take long and can be frustrating. Many patients eventually chose a drastic way, the bariatric surgery, and have their stomachs "stapled". In this non reversible and quite dangerous procedure, the surgeon cuts the stomach to a small pouch which reduces appetite and ability to over eat. Meet overweight people, understand their problems and struggle with them through diets and surgery. produced for German TV ARD / BR

Big in America

usa (2004)

45 min, English narration