Update: We were incorrect in the earlier posting about free access to HBO. In fact, if you are not an HBO subscriber, you can watch the documentary online for free here: http://theweightofthenation.hbo.com/

We don’t shy away from tough battles in public health.  Through the last century, we’ve tackled all types of diseases, worked with public infrastructure to provide healthy water, fought to reduce teen pregnancies, but there’s one battle we haven’t won.  Some folks may remember it as the Battle of the Bulge – it hasn’t gone away and it is a “growing” concern.

Nationwide and in Arizona, more than two out of three adults are overweight or obese. Matter of fact, we’re 15th in the country for childhood obesity. 

The fight has new life today with new partners jumping in to help.  You can watch the Weight of the Nation special for free on HBO tonight and tomorrow at 8 pm.  The series of documentaries look at the consequences, choices, challenges and children in crisis.  The Institutes of Medicine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and Kaiser Permanente joined HBO in making the series.

We’ve created a special website to show what is available to help you if you’re looking to make a change – either for yourself or in your community.  One of the things we want to do is share stories that work.  Pin your story to our Pinterest page or fill out a survey.

This is an ongoing effort in Arizona . If you don’t get the chance to watch HBO tonight, you can watch it online or come to ADHS this summer.  We’re going to host a viewing with opportunities to talk about how to change the direction of the obesity problem.  I’ll keep you posted.