Obesity

(Hardback)

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Description

An overview written for general readers of the history, prevention, treatment, causes, and consequences of obesity. What makes obesity a disease instead of just a matter of overeating What are the genetic and environmental factors behind it What new breakthroughs are being developing to combat it This concise, information-rich volume looks at these and other important questions, clearing away misconceptions about this devastating condition. Obesity explains what scientists now know about the causes and consequences of being overweight, including the latest on the links between obesity and heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, asthma, and sleep difficulties. The book pays specific attention to the problem among obese young people, who more and more are being diagnosed with chronic illnesses that used to only be seen in adults. It also reports on promising efforts to battle obesity, from medical treatments to community awareness programs.

Reviews

For general readers, Wolin (surgery, Washington U. School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, and Institute for Public Health) and Petrelli, an independent science writer who has master's degrees in epidemiology and nutrition, tell the story of obesity from its origins to the present, describing its causes; definition; risks for diseases like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, asthma, sleep difficulties, and quality of life issues; prevention and treatment; economic costs; future research and treatment in the US; and global impact, including the influence of marketing and the media. * SciTech Book News *
Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates and above. * Choice *

Author Bio

Kathleen Y. Wolin, ScD, is assistant professor of surgery at the Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Jennifer M. Petrelli is an independent science writer with master's degrees in both epidemiology and nutrition.