Obesity 101

Obesity research has recently shifted from focusing purely on individual causes to viewing individuals within their “obesogenic” or living environments. This book combines current research from multiple perspectives to provide an introductory-level, reader-friendly overview of the history, causes, prevalence, consequences, treatments, and future trends in the prevention of obesity. It integrates research from a vast range of disciplines in the biological and social sciences, as well as education and economics. It explores the gamut of current treatments for obesity, in addition to prevention programs in schools, the workplace, the community, and the arena of public policy, and offers an assessment of their efficacy. Since obesity is a burgeoning problem in the developing world, as well as having already reached epidemic proportions in many developed nations, the book also discusses international trends. By far, the most common definition of obesity uses the body mass index (BMI) to determine who is overweight or obese. The genetic causes of obesity are often separated into to two types: monogenic and polygenic. After discussing the psychosocial and medical correlates and consequences of obesity, the book looks at the current treatments for obesity such as self-initiated diets, lifestyle modification and medical treatment including surgery. Positive effects on physical activity are encouraging because developing good habits early may help prevent obesity later in life.