Fat has long been demonised as a problem and a warning sign, indicative of a variety of health issues and even undesirable character traits. Yet, as this documentary explains, there is actually far more to fat than meets the eye. Scientists are at last gaining a truer understanding of its complex functions, and its key role in controlling hunger, hormones and even reproduction.
Drawing upon true-life tales of hunter-gatherers, sumo wrestlers and supermodels, The Truth About Fat (Friday 14th, 7.20pm) examines the biological processes that underpin fat distribution, and weighs up the benefits of fat as well as the hazards. It looks at how and why evolution has hardwired humans to accumulate fat, and points out the perils of eliminating it entirely.
