Charlie Rose Science Series Explores the Growing Obesity Epidemic

Charlie Rose Science Series Explores the Growing Obesity Epidemic

Episode Six of Science Series Examines Obesity's Causes, Effects on the Population, and Prevention and Treatment Measures

NEW YORK, June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The upcoming episode of the "Charlie Rose Science Series" on PBS features an in-depth analysis and discussion of the growing problem of obesity in the American population, especially among children and teenagers. A panel of prominent experts will join Charlie Rose and co-host Sir Paul Nurse, Nobel Laureate and President of Rockefeller University, for an informative dialogue on the obesity epidemic. The panel will discuss the scientific, social, economic and cultural factors that influence a person's diet, as well as the latest breakthroughs in new research programs which will help scientists understand, treat and prevent obesity.

The sixth episode of the Charlie Rose Science Series, sponsored by Pfizer Inc, starts airing on Monday, June 25th on more than 200 PBS stations across the country.

"Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing the U.S.," said Charlie Rose. "It's a growing epidemic that is affecting millions of people, and an increasing number of children. Combating the rise in obesity is one of our most pressing health care challenges."

Special guests will include: Marion Nestle, PhD, MPH, Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, NYU; Rudy Leibel, MD, Deputy Director, New York Obesity Research Center; David Ludwig, MD, PhD, Director of the Obesity Program at Children's Hospital, Boston; and Gina Kolata, author and Science Reporter, New York Times.

Pfizer's support for The Charlie Rose Science Series and its exploration of the advances being made in scientific research, their contribution to our understanding of the world around us, and how these breakthroughs may be applied to improving human health is part of Pfizer's commitment to expanding scientific understanding.

"There is a palpable sense of urgency among the medical and scientific community about the need to address obesity issues," said Dr. Steve Ryder, Senior Vice President of Pfizer, Inc.

"The advances that have been made in treating cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and many other health conditions are being undermined because of complications associated with obesity. Pfizer is currently researching potential new treatments to help fight the growing obesity epidemic."

Although cancer and cardiovascular diseases remain the leading killers in the U.S. today, obesity has grown to epidemic levels in just the past ten years. Obesity increases a person's risk for nearly all other major diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and stroke, as well as a host of complications like kidney disease, blindness and neuropathy. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that more than two-thirds of U.S. adults and approximately 16 percent of children and teens are now classified as overweight or obese.

"One of the interesting aspects of this disease that we discuss during the show is the relationship between the genetic and environmental conditions for obesity," noted Nobel Laureate Sir Paul Nurse, President of Rockefeller

University. "It is fascinating, but rather frightening, to see how conditions have emerged over the last two decades to propel a huge growth in obesity."

Past episodes of the Charlie Rose Science Series have explored research that has led to a better understanding of the human brain; the discovery and mapping of human DNA; new insights into longevity and the body's aging mechanisms; an in-depth look at cancer, and the latest advances in stem-cell research and the potential the research holds for helping to detect, treat, and even cure some of the world's most devastating diseases.

For more information about The Charlie Rose Science Series or to watch clips from past episodes, please visit http://www.charlierose.com/.

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FCMN Contact:

Source: The Charlie Rose Science Series

CONTACT: Maria Konnikova of The Charlie Rose Science Series,
+1-212-617-1600, mkonnikova@bloomberg.net; or Rexy Legaspi of Widmeyer
Communications for The Charlie Rose Science Series, +1-646-213-7245,
rexy.legaspi@widmeyer.com

Web site:

http://www.charlierose.com/

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