Obesity

Informationen zum Autor Evelyn B. Kelly Klappentext This book explores what obesity is, its causes and implications for health, and the many issues and controversies surrounding it, both in the medical community and within society as a whole. Obesity is defined as the state of having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. Although it may be easy to identify what obesity is, however, identifying its causes and effects can be more challenging. Genetic, hormonal, environmental, and behavioral factors all play a role in defining our weight, and the consequences of obesity go far beyond medical complications, to include impacts on psychological well-being and social health, and how we think about and address this growing epidemic has become just as controversial as it is important.This second edition of Obesity offers a wealth of new information and features. Coverage of genetic and hormonal causes of obesity has been greatly expanded, as has discussion of medications and surgical techniques to manage obesity. The book reflects our expanded scientific understanding of obesity and delves into medical and societal debates about weight that have emerged in recent years. Also new in this edition is a collection of case studies, each of which helps to make the topics discussed in the book more accessible to readers. Inhaltsverzeichnis Series Foreword Preface Part I: Overview and Background Information 1 Obesity: A Perfect and Costly Epidemic2 Obesity Battles throughout the Ages3 What Is Fat?4 How Is Body Fat Made and Stored?5 The Psychological and Social Aspects of Obesity6 Introduction to Genetics7 Genetic Disorders That Can Lead to Obesity8 Obesity and Health Problems9 Obesity, Exercise, and Energy Part II: Issues and Controversies 10 Is Obesity a Disease?11 Are We Creating Generations of Couch Potatoes?12 The Great Diet Debate13 Can Behavioral Strategies Result in Weight Loss?14 Should Surgery Be Used as a Weight-Control Method?15 What Should Be the Government's Role in the Obesity Crisis?16 Weight-Loss Medications: Is There a Miracle Pill?17 How to Avoid Food Scams and Fad Diets18 Alternative and Complementary Obesity Therapies19 Can People Be Healthy at Any Size?20 Can There Be a Fat-Free Future? Part III: Scenarios Case Illustrations Glossary Timeline Sources for Further Information Index About the Author ...

Auteur

EVELYN KELLY is an independent scholar who has written 10 books and over 400 journal articles. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers, is past president of American Medical Writer's Association, Florida chapter, and was recently invited to join the American Society of Journalists and Authors.

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This book explores what obesity is, its causes and implications for health, and the many issues and controversies surrounding it, both in the medical community and within society as a whole. Obesity is defined as the state of having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. Although it may be easy to identify what obesity is, however, identifying its causes and effects can be more challenging. Genetic, hormonal, environmental, and behavioral factors all play a role in defining our weight, and the consequences of obesity go far beyond medical complications, to include impacts on psychological well-being and social health, and how we think about and address this growing epidemic has become just as controversial as it is important. This second edition of Obesity offers a wealth of new information and features. Coverage of genetic and hormonal causes of obesity has been greatly expanded, as has discussion of medications and surgical techniques to manage obesity. The book reflects our expanded scientific understanding of obesity and delves into medical and societal debates about weight that have emerged in recent years. Also new in this edition is a collection of case studies, each of which helps to make the topics discussed in the book more accessible to readers.

Contenu

Series Foreword Preface Part I: Overview and Background Information 1 Obesity: A Perfect and Costly Epidemic 2 Obesity Battles throughout the Ages 3 What Is Fat? 4 How Is Body Fat Made and Stored? 5 The Psychological and Social Aspects of Obesity 6 Introduction to Genetics 7 Genetic Disorders That Can Lead to Obesity 8 Obesity and Health Problems 9 Obesity, Exercise, and Energy Part II: Issues and Controversies 10 Is Obesity a Disease? 11 Are We Creating Generations of Couch Potatoes? 12 The Great Diet Debate 13 Can Behavioral Strategies Result in Weight Loss? 14 Should Surgery Be Used as a Weight-Control Method? 15 What Should Be the Government's Role in the Obesity Crisis? 16 Weight-Loss Medications: Is There a Miracle Pill? 17 How to Avoid Food Scams and Fad Diets 18 Alternative and Complementary Obesity Therapies 19 Can People Be Healthy at Any Size? 20 Can There Be a Fat-Free Future? Part III: Scenarios Case Illustrations Glossary Timeline Sources for Further Information Index About the Author