The ignorant, beer-bellied McDonald’s masticator: It’s a punchline of American society. But the fact that nearly 70 percent of American adults are overweight or obese is not a joke — and the makers of The Weight of the Nation (8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, HBO) show that it’s more detrimental to our country than many believe. HBO worked with the Institute of Medicine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other organizations to create this documentary on the nation’s obesity epidemic. The project is divided into four films: “Consequences” and “Choices,” to be shown Monday, “Children in Crisis” and “Challenges” airing Tuesday. The series features experts in the field as well as individuals and families, dealing with everything from the science of weight loss and maintenance to the role of schools in childhood obesity to the economic and cultural repercussions of an overweight population.
The films are part of a larger campaign by the aforementioned organizations to combat the health issue plaguing adults and children alike. The CDC hosted the Weight of the Nation conference May 7-9 to develop policy, system and environmental approaches, determine how to inform and engage the public and coordinate with the media with the help of public policy makers, health officials and researchers.
Tune into the series (or check it out on HBO.com after the premiere Monday) to learn just how much our country is being impacted and what steps you can make to keep yourself and family on the path to good health.
WEDNESDAY MAY 9
Modern Family (9 p.m., ABC) – The whole family heads to Disneyland to explore child leashes, hour-long lines and appropriate amusement park footwear.
Don’t Trust the B—— in Apartment 23 (9:30 p.m., ABC) – Everyone finds their way to come up with rent — June decides to sell homemade jam while JVDB hawks a line of ultra-skinny jeans.
Around the World in 80 Plates (Series Premiere, 10 p.m., Bravo) – With a title straight out of a fictional Portlandia restaurant, it’s got to be good. Hosts and fellow chefs Cat Cora and Curtis Stone follow a dozen culinary pros as they race around the globe, cooking regional favorites. This first episode sends the contestants to London.
THURSDAY MAY 10
Community (8 p.m., NBC) – Abed obsesses over his conspiracy theory that Dean Pelton is a fraud. His subsequent actions force him to see a therapist (John Hodgman) in order to avoid jail time.
30 Rock (8:30 p.m., NBC) – After being trapped for a year in North Korea, Avery is reunited with Jack — but she’s not alone. Liz’s breadwinner status causes her and Criss to grapple with gender roles. Kenneth and Tracy help Jenna find a company to sponsor her wedding.
Parks and Recreation (9:30 p.m., NBC) – It’s Election Day in Pawnee and Leslie and Bobby are neck and neck. As the final votes trickle in, everyone imagines different outcomes.
FRIDAY
MAY 11
Magic City (10 p.m., Starz) – Ike and Ben wager a huge amount of money on a boxing match they believe is a sure bet. Meanwhile, Jackie Kennedy cancels her appearance for Vera’s charity event.
SATURDAY MAY 12
Saturday Night Live (11:30 p.m., NBC) – Is it the year 2001 again? All-star SNL alum Will Ferrell hosts with musical guest Usher.
SUNDAY MAY 13
Game of Thrones (9 p.m., HBO) – With her dragons and most of her companions gone, Daenerys is invited to the House of the Undying. Theon heads a hunt for the escaped Stark boys. Jon is lost in the wild North.
Veep (10 p.m., HBO) – Selina preps for a Meet the Press interview; Gary and Amy catch the Veep in a romantic situation.
Mad Men (10 p.m., AMC) – Don and Megan get accustomed to a new family dynamic. Sterling finesses some potential clients. The episode takes its title, “Dark Shadows,” from the vampire soap opera that debuted in 1966 (which is the current year in Mad Men). Could Megan land a role in the real-life gothic dramedy?
Girls (10:30 p.m., HBO) – Marnie deals with the fallout from Hannah’s diary debacle while Hannah attempts to curb her boss’s touching by getting grabby with him. More weirdness from Jessa’s babysitting family.
TUESDAY MAY 15
Glee (8 p.m., Fox) – In the first portion of this two-hour Glee-stravaganza, the entire cast swaps roles for a fantasy sequence. Later, the New Directions head to Nationals. Lindsay Lohan guest stars as herself, a judge at the competition.
CONTACT JAC KERN: [email protected]
