There’s a popular belief that obese people eat too much and exercise too little. Chris Bavin reveals the truth. By Team Viva
We all think obesity is caused by eating too much and exercising too little. But the latest research is turning those assumptions on their head.
The series, The Truth About Obesity looks at groundbreaking new treatments: from faecal transplants to the hunger-hormone injection that might eliminate obesity forever. A time-travelling experiment reveals how people are more obese than we were in the ‘70s — despite eating fewer calories and doing the same amount of exercise. It reflects upon how a combination of fast food culture and genes have led to our expanding waistlines. However, known for Eat Well For Less?, Chris Bavin reveals how small changes can help us all maximise our chances of keeping trim. It shows how a simple piece of string can tell you how healthy you are; when the best time to eat is; and how our gut bacteria may keep us skinny.
How was your experience working on the show, The Truth About Obesity?
It has been a very interesting experience. The show talks about weight gain globally. This is something which has been of great interest to the people. It was very interesting for me to also look at factors around why are we gaining so much weight as a population. In the UK, the majority of people, about 70 per cent of the population is overweight and in culture about one-third of that population is termed as obese. It was hence very intriguing to look at the how, what and why of this issue.
Obesity has been a major concern world over and India has been grappling with the same. As a presenter of the show, where do you think the problem lies?
What I have learnt from the show is that it is very complicated and there are a lot of factors. Historically, it has been said that people who are suffering from obesity eat too much and don’t do any exercise. That was a popular belief. But, the series shows you that it’s not the case. There are many factors involved. We saw in-depth about the food environment, what’s selling off, we also took a look at our body’s ability to burn calories off and at the gut bacteria. It was also interesting to look at the genetics because it is said that you can be genetically pre-disposed to not only put on some weight but also that it is harder for you to lose weight. There is a gene called the MC4R gene and if there is a fault in that, then a person tends to put on weight. So, there are many factors like that.
You have worked on a series of food-related shows, how is this one different from your other shows?
This show is not really about food, but about behaviour. Food has obviously played a part, but it’s not typically about food. It is more about people’s health and what factors pay a role in gaining weight and why does it happen. It is quite different from any other food show that I have ever done before.
What are the kind of challenges on working on such a show?
I think since there is so much to capture the truth about each of these in a series, which becomes a challenge. So, it is about trying to make sure we tell enough of the story and covering nothing of the different subject or a different topic. The hardest challenge is to make understandable quite a complicated issue in a show format. You need to cover everything and in detail for people to understand and that was the biggest challenge for me.
What is the one startling truth you can share that holds true for all individuals irrespective of the country they come from?
The most important thing that I believe in is that if you are suffering with obesity, you are not completely to be blamed and I think it’s important to understand that. Also, you are not helpless as well. It’s not completely your fault. But you are not as helpless.
What foods one should avoid to prevent obesity? And at what age should the awareness begin?
Awareness should begin from a young age. We should be talking to our children because we are starting to see more children become obese and people should inculcate the habit of talking to children and address this issue from the beginning. It is never too early. It is not about avoiding any food or blaming it. You can grab a chocolate and eat it if you are craving for it. I believe it's about eating good food more than about eating bad food.
Tell us about your future projects?
I have just finished Britain’s Best Home Cook and I am currently filming Series 6 of Eat Well for Less? Also, I have just released a cook book titled, Good Food, Sorted: Save Time, Cook Smart, Eat Well. So yes, a lot is happening and more interesting things are coming up.
(The show airs on April 27 at 9 pm on Sony BBC Earth.)
