ESU Athletic Training Department to Tackle Obesity Epidemic with Screening of HBO’s Documentary “The Weight of the Nation,” Followed by In-depth Discussion

ESU Logo

Posted by: admin on November 11, 2013, No Comments

As part of its efforts to help combat the nation’s weight epidemic, East Stroudsburg University’s athletic training department is hosting a screening of  “The Weight of the Nation,” HBO’s four-part documentary that features case studies and interviews with leading experts and families struggling with obesity. The screenings will be followed by a discussion and brainstorming session of how to tackle obesity, which affects 68 percent of Americans ages 20 and older.

Parts one and two of the series will be shown on Monday, November 18. Parts three and four can be seen on Tuesday, November 19. Both screenings will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Stroud Hall, Room 117.

Attendees will have the chance to talk about possible solutions to obesity, which contributes to five of the nation’s 10 leading causes of death, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, strokes and many forms of cancer. Scott R. Dietrich, Ph.D., ESU assistant professor of athletic training, will be available for interviews, to hand out materials and give tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and promoting community change.

The event is open to ESU students, faculty and staff members and the public at no cost, but it might be of particular interest to community leaders and parents of middle school students.

For more information, contact Dietrich at 570-422-3068 or at sdietrich@esu.edu.