This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
"Fed Up"
U.S. Documentary
*** 1/2 (three and a half stars)
The epidemic of obesity in America is getting worse, the documentary "Fed Up" states plainly as narrator/executive producer Katie Couric makes a full-throated and persuasive case that the fault lies largely with America's food industry and weakened federal regulation. Director Stephanie Soechtig shifts between stories of American teens battling weight issues and commentary from experts and advocates who argue the real problem is the amount of sugar that food companies pack in their products. Further, those same companies have lobbied government to soften regulations, while marketing sugary stuff to kids, co-opting Michelle Obama's health initiative, and running PR campaigns that decry the "nanny state" any time someone suggests reining in the industry. The personal stories are heartbreaking, and the dissection of the food industry's manipulation of laws, media and science is both eye-opening and enraging.
— Sean P. Means
"Fed Up" screens again at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival: Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Yarrow Hotel Theatre, Park City.