KET series to explore how chemistry, technology, fast food, “supersizing,” marketing, and lobbying have made us fat

KET will air a three-part series, “Men Who Made Us Fat,” in which Jacques Peretti blames American obesity on high-fructose corn syrup, fast food, “supersizing,” marketing, and lobbying.

In the first episode Jacques Peretti looks at how decisions made in America 40 years ago influence how we eat today. He looks closely at high-fructose corn syrup, which interferes with leptin, the hormone that controls appetite. He also explores the role of fast-food chains in making a society fatter. It will air Monday, Sept. 8 at 10 p.m. EDT.

The second episode explores supersizing’s role in how the U.S., once a nation of moderate eaters, started to want more. It will also examine how advertising directed at children has contributed to child obesity. It will air on KET2 Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 8 p.m. and on KET Sept. 11 at 4 a.m. and Sept. 15 at 10 p.m. EDT.

The third episode targets how marketing influences food buying, as well as government initiatives and health campaigns and how food manufacturers and related interests have lobbied hard against these efforts. It will air on KET Thursday, Sept. 18 at 4 a.m. and Monday, Sept. 22 at 10 p.m. EDT.