Obesity is a global ticking health time bomb. In the UK, a quarter of children are overweight, and a third of British adults are forecast to be obese by 2010, while in the US, more than 64 per cent of US adults are either overweight or obese, a trend seen as a real threat to lifespan. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer to name but the major health hazards - the rate of diabetes is set to double because of obesity. Contrary to popular thought, the obesity epidemic is not restricted to industrialized societies; in developing countries, it is estimated that over 115 million people suffer from obesity-related problems. However, confusion reigns as to how to tackle the problem, with a multiplicity of advice on diet, exercise, health and lifestyle. This book takes a comprehensive look at the complex physical and psychological factors that contribute to this preventable threat to health.Subjects covered include: definitions of obesity and 'ideal weights'; emotional and psychological aspects of over-eating; diet and body size myths; health risks of obesity; medical conditions that may contribute to becoming overweight; why diets don't work; and food for health - how to limit weight gain.

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ISBN: 9780859699815
Catalogue code: N/A
Publisher: SHELDON PRESS - published 22/03/2007
Format: Paperback