ABC of Obesity (1st edition)

Citation

Sattar, N. and Lean, M.E. (2007), "ABC of Obesity (1st edition)", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 37 No. 5, pp. 390-392. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2007.37.5.390.1

Obesity is an expensive and increasing problem worldwide, leading to disability, reproductive problems, depression and accelerated metabolic and vascular disease in a large proportion of men, women and children. The ABC of Obesity is a new guide, which will aid its effective management, addressing issues such as dieting, exercise, self‐esteem, drug treatment and surgery. Recent evidence is used to highlight frequent problems, successful treatment options and most common causes.

It is written by a number of experts and includes 12 chapters:

1. (1)

   Obesity – time to wake up which defines obesity, costs and its management.

2. (2)

   Assessment of obesity and its clinical implications, causes and associated risks of obesity.

3. (3)

   Management – Part 1 – behaviour change, diet and activity. This includes aims and success criteria, websites of resources, behavioural changes, diets and physical activity.

4. (4)

   Management – Part 11 – Drugs, includes various drug treatments.

5. (5)

   Management – Part 111 – Surgery.

6. (6)

   Strategies for preventing obesity. Particularly concentrates on younger people and preventative measures.

7. (7)

   Risk factors for diabetes and coronary heart disease with a discussion of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and central obesity.

8. (8)

   Obesity and vascular disease focuses on metabolic syndrome (previously known as syndrome X), heart failure, stroke and cognitive decline.

9. (9)

   Obesity and cancer – Shares the links of obesity with cancer of the breast, colon, prostate, kidney and gall bladder. Lifestyle factors are also discussed and guidelines of the International Union against cancer are listed.

10. (10)

    Obesity and reproduction discusses the effects of obesity before and during pregnancy as well as the risks to the baby.

11. (11)

    Childhood obesity with the long‐term consequences as well as prevention is covered.

12. (12)

    Obesity can we turn the tide? Examines the whole situation and looks at where responsibility is and how to educate the public and health professionals.

Each chapter concludes with further reading and resources and includes good illustrations. It is a very useful and easy to read book but the price of £17.99 may put some people off.

The book is part of the ABC series, which also includes the following titles which may be of interest:

• •

  ABC of Allergies – second edition.

• •

  ABC of Complementary Medicine – second edition.

• •

  ABC of Hypertension – fifth edition.

• •

  ABC of Alcohol – fourth edition.

• •

  ABC of Diabetes – fifth edition.

• •

  ABC of Nutrition – fourth edition.

• •

  ABC of Oral Health.