The BET News special Heart of the City: Dying to Eat in Jackson is a scary yet hopeful look at what America's obesity epidemic has wrought on the state of Mississippi, particularly the African-American community.
Star Jones, who knows more than a little about obesity, weight loss and maintenance, hosts the hourlong special that focuses on Jackson, Miss. The state frequently tops the list of states with the highest percentage of obesity, and the special digs into the reasons behind the statistics. Culture, cuisine, lack of fresh produce, attitudes about exercise -- they all play into the problem.
And the side effects of obesity are wreaking havoc on the population. Children are being diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Kidney dialysis clinics are more than busy. Unchecked diabetes is killing residents.
But there is hope. The documentary shows how residents are taking control of their lives and the state's obesity epidemic with community gardens, farmers markets, involved high school coaches and the group Mississippi Against Obesity, which holds intensive weight-loss programs that are getting results.
It's a powerful hour of television that will scare and inspire you. You can watch the entire documentary HERE at BET.com, but here's an online extra.
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