Prof’s documentaries on TLC bring light to dangers of obesity

Fans of The Learning Channel (TLC) might have seen the work of a Baylor professor and not even realized it. This spring, TLC ran four documentaries — “Half Ton Mom,” “Half Ton Dad,” “Half Ton Teen,” and “Survival of the Half Ton Teen” — in which the subjects seek gastric bypass surgery in an attempt to restore health after reaching dangerous sizes (900 pounds for the mom, 1100 pounds for the dad and 800 pounds for the teenager).

Baylor film and digital media professor Dr. Michael Korpi served as producer on all three shows (which have also aired on Discovery Health). Clips from the shows were later shown on an episode of Oprah which took a look at obesity. A quick Google search found forums on the topic applauding the shows for covering the issue so well and hoping that the documentaries would encourage others to get a handle on their weight before it reaches such a state.

Sic ’em, Dr. Korpi, for helping bring the issue to light!