• Blends together a range of concepts, themes and issues to provide a carefully-layered introduction to this multidisciplinary subject.
• Integrates real life 'vignettes' throughout to create a unique learning experience.
• Case reports throughout are drawn from different ethnic, gender and age backgrounds to give the book a truly global perspective.
• Extensive learning features, including activities, chapter summaries, learning outcomes, in-text and self-assessment questions, explanation and enrichment boxes, and references and further reading, offer full support for learning, making this the ideal resource for any student, regardless of prior scientific knowledge.
• Online Resource Centre features additional materials for both lecturers and students, enhancing the book's value as a teaching and learning tool.

Readership: Health science, biomedical science, and nutrition students at all levels, who need a clear introduction to this field. Also of interest to healthcare professionals who need a broad overview of the subject.

Edited by Heather McLannahan, Senior Lecturer in Health Sciences, The Open University, and Pete Clifton, Professor of Psychology, University of Sussex, and Associate Lecturer, The Open University

"This is a timely and useful text. It provides lots of examples and approaches to aid learning, and is written in a style that is very accessible. " - Dr Ashley Cooper, University of Bristol

"Good material, highly appropriate, and well-focused. A good contribution to the subject area, written by well-qualified authors." - Professor Kevin Sykes, University of Chester

"This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction into one of the most challenging health problems for the early part of 21st century - obesity. It presents an overview of the complex circumstances that result in obesity and identifies the critical factors that are contributing to the obesity epidemic - the poor adaption of our body's biological processes to a relative abundance of food and an increasingly sedentary social environment. Each chapter is written in an easily readable style to makes the book extremely attractive to anyone who wishes to learn more about obesity. I recommend the book to all who wish to better understand the causes, the problems and the management of obesity." - Professor Peter Kopelman, Principal, St Georges, University of London

"Challenging Obesity is a well-written, comprehensive book dealing with an important public health issue. The authors provide a scientific perspective on obesity, addressing a number of different aspects of the topic. This book is a valuable and important resource for those studying, researching and teaching in the area of nutrition and public health. Of value to those studying the topic of obesity in particular, are the clear definitions, detailed summaries and self assessment questions. I would recommend this book to my students studying on our Energy Regulation and Obesity module. Although this book is primarily aimed at those studying the health sciences, individuals with a general interest in health and nutrition will also benefit from this book." - Dr Helen Lightowler, Oxford Brookes University

1 A GLOBAL CHALLENGE
Introduction
What is obesity?
Measuring obesity
The relationships between obesity and ill health
The economic cost of obesity
Who is most likely to become obese?
Why have so many people become overweight and obese?
Summary of Chapter 1
2 ENERGY: INTAKE AND NEEDS
Introduction
Energy intake
What is a balanced diet?
The chemical nature of macronutrients
Measuring energy intake
Releasing energy from food
Energy expenditure
Controlling weight
Summary of Chapter 2
3 FOOD: DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION
Introduction
The digestive system
The fate of food as it passes along the gut
Absorption and distribution of fuel molecules
Summary of Chapter 3
4 METABOLISM: THE BODY>'S INTERNAL BALANCING ACT
Introduction
Metabolism, homeostasis and a healthy balance
Insulin and the regulation of blood glucose levels
Creating an energy reserve: longer-term storage and use of lipids
Insulin resistance
Roles of adipose tissue
Consolidation
Summary of Chapter 4
5 BRAIN AND BEHAVIOUR
Introduction
The 'eating' brain: a quick introduction
Hunger
Satiety
Brain mechanisms and feeding behaviour
Summary of Chapter 5
6 INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES: GENES AND ENVIRONMENT
Introduction
Genes and obesity
Environment and obesity
Gene-environment interactions and obesity
Factors affecting childhood obesity
Pregnancy
Epilogue
Summary of Chapter 6
7 THE CONSEQUENCES OF OBESITY
Introduction
The medical consequences of obesity
Psychosocial consequences of obesity
Summary of Chapter 7
8 TREATING OBESITY: DIET, EXERCISE AND LIFESTYLE
Introduction
Energy balance revisited
Reducing energy intake: 'going on a diet'
Exercise as a treatment strategy for obesity
Combining exercise and diet
Lifestyle and body weight
Childhood obesity
Summary of Chapter 8
9 TREATING OBESITY: DRUGS AND SURGERY
Introduction
Drug treatments for obesity
Surgical treatment of obesity
Summary of Chapter 9
10 CHALLENGING OBESITY: THE FUTURE
Introduction
The obesogenic environment
Obesity and government
Evaluating policies to reduce the incidence of obesity
Combating obesity: what policies would be effective?
Conclusion
Summary of Chapter 10
ANSWERS AND COMMENTS
REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING