A closer look at our country's obesity problem: Fighting Fat

Fighting Fat is presented by The Plain Dealer in partnership with WKYC Channel 3 and WVIZ/PBS and 90.3 Ideastream. Stories and projects are planned throughout 2010. This is a schedule of what you can read, listen to and watch this week.

Today

In The Plain Dealer, reporter Tony Brown provides an overview on the nation's expanding waistlines, reporter Brie Zeltner describes the role of genetics in obesity, and graphic artist William Neff and Zeltner show how fat affects our bodies.

WKYC Channel 3 senior health correspondent Monica Robins gives an overview of obesity and the stories planned for the rest of the year, at 6 and 11 p.m.

Monday

Plain Dealer reporter Diane Suchetka reports that we are eating more than ever.

On "Morning Edition," 90.3 WCPN Ideastream's Eric Wellman and Suchetka discuss why our caloric intake has skyrocketed, at 8:35 a.m., and WCPN reporter Gretchen Cuda looks at how sugary drinks have harmed us, at 7:20 and 8:50 a.m. On "The Sound of Ideas," at 9 a.m., host Dan Moulthrop explores fat's effects on the body.

WKYC Channel 3 airs the first of five profiles of viewers trying to lose weight and become healthy, at 6 p.m. The profiles will run each Monday through May 3.

Tuesday

In The Plain Dealer, reporter Diane Suchetka tells the story of five people who are overweight in a world that is largely insensitive to their plight, and 90.3 WCPN Ideastream reporter Gretchen Cuda looks at the use of scents to induce people to eat more food.

On WCPN's "Morning Edition," Cuda examines scent marketing, at 7:20 and 8:50 a.m. Assistant producer Katie Baker reports on an Akron program that combats childhood obesity, at 5 p.m. on "All Things Considered."

WKYC Channel 3 provides an overview of the Fighting Fat campaign on "Good Company," between 10 and 11 a.m.

Wednesday

Plain Dealer reporter Kaye Spector talks to dietitians who offer easy steps for slowly improving your eating habits, and food editor Joe Crea shows you how to cook healthy meals quickly at home and how to choose healthy meals in restaurants.

On "Morning Edition," 90.3 WCPN Ideastream's Eric Wellman talks with Crea about dining out, at 7:25 and 8:55 a.m., and WCPN reporter Gretchen Cuda explores how some Cleveland restaurants keep foods tasty without lots of fat, sugar and salt, at 7:20 and 8:50 a.m.

Thursday

Plain Dealer reporter Harlan Spector explores whether laws could push us to eat better.

On "Morning Edition," 90.3 WCPN Ideastream's Gretchen Cuda reports on the link between fat and cancer, at 6:35 and 8:35 a.m. Assistant producer Katie Baker examines how obesity affects pregnancy during "All Things Considered," at 5:45 p.m.