Skip to main content

What is obesity? - Mia Nacamulli

1,103,474 Views

27,116 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Obesity is an escalating global epidemic. It substantially raises the probability of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and cancer. But what is the distinction between being overweight and being obese? And how does a person become obese? Mia Nacamulli explores obesity.

Additional Resources for you to Explore

Obesity is a global problem. But how does that breakdown? These interactive maps show different trends in obesity across the United States.

We know that obesity causes all sorts of other health risks. Find out more. So, now, what can we do about it? The Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides strategies and guides to help with prevention and intervention. In 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama launched Let’s Move!, an initiative to solve the challenge of childhood obesity within one generation.

Losing weight and keeping it off can be a real obstacle for people who are already overweight. How does exercise help control weight? Why is it so much harder for people who are obese to lose it?

What can we learn about obesity from the most overweight population in the world? Over a decade ago, Malcolm Gladwell investigated in his article, The Pima Paradox. Read it and learn more.

Can obesity affect how brains work? While much more research is needed to really know, some studies suggest that obesity might make it hard for children to control their behavior.

Next Section »

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Mia Nacamulli
  • Director Tolga Yıldız, Serin İnan
  • Animator Tuncay Çetin
  • Composer Cem Misirlioglu
  • Narrator Pen-Pen Chen

More from Getting Under Our Skin