The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared obesity a global epidemic. Its prevalence has more than doubled since 1980, causing a myriad of health problems for children and adults. Obesity: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Prevention, Second Edition explores the molecular mechanisms and pathophysiology leading to obesity and metabolic disorders. It examines the safety of obesity drugs and drug development strategies as well as the role of physical activity, nutrition, and nutraceutical supplements in obesity treatment and prevention.

With contributions from a cadre of internationally known experts, the book covers a spectrum of essential topics related to this widespread phenomenon, including:

• The relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes
• The addiction mechanism related to refined foods as a significant factor in obesity
• The correlation between obesity and environmental estrogens, endocrine disruption, cigarette smoking, and inflammatory response
• The role of drug and chemical toxicities and genomic imprinting disorders in obesity
• The safety and regulation of prescription and over-the-counter weight loss drugs
• Various diets, the glycemic index, and the role of exercise in treating or preventing obesity
• Controversy over effective vs. banned weight loss supplements
• Childhood obesity and its prevention
• Bariatric surgery for weight management and reversal of metabolic disorders

As the public has become more aware of the deadly adverse effects of obesity, numerous products and programs have targeted the overweight and obese population, many with dangerous side effects. It is essential that we develop strategic, therapeutic intervention supported by credible data. This volume is an ideal reference point for researchers looking for new avenues of inquiry and practicing medical professionals, clinical nutritionists, and dietitians seeking guidance for their patients.

"This volume, the 2nd edition of a comprehensive text reviews in 63 chapters written by many countries experts, the epidemiology, pathophysiology, drug and nutritional therapies. Five chapters are on childhood obesity and prevention, another section (2 chapters) are on bariatric surgery. Well referenced, recommended to endocrinologists and nutritionists."-Professor Zvi Laron, Pediatric Endocrinology Reviews, Vol. 10, No. 4, July 2013 Praise for the First Edition: "...Obesity takes a broader perspective. We are treated to short reviews of neurobiology, leptin, and ghrelin as well as chapters on environmental estrogens as endocrine disrupters, smoking and inflammation, and other oxidative stressors that may be contributing to the obesity epidemic. Regarding thereapies, this book has solid chapters on diet and exercise ... on specific "neutraceuticals" - foods with purported therapeutic benefits ... the authors offer thoughts, theories, and treatments that are "outside the box," and they do so majestically." -Margo A. Denke, MD, University of Texas, writing in The New England Journal of Medicine, December 13, 2007 "... this book is not a casual read. It is an in-depth treatise on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment of a modern-day epidemic, obesity. It begins with a detailed review of the prevalence and health burden of obesity worldwide and how the current situation has developed over the past 4 decades. ... deals with the pathophysiology of obesity ... natural, nutritional, and physical approaches to weight management. There is very little, if anything, about the many approaches to weight loss that is not addressed ... . "... This book covers all aspects of obesity. ... the editors maintained an evidence-based approach whenever possible and have maintained an open mind and an impartiality toward controversial issues. They discuss the recent development of drugs ... and the role of vegetarianism, tea, and other natural health products. " ... This is a textbook and reference, and it serves that purpose exceptionally well. Graduate students in the field of obesity should read it or at least use it as a reference. ... this book will point them in the right direction and give them an overview about what they need to learn; a lot of that learning can come directly from this book. Practitioners specializing in obesity management and lifestyle issues should have it as a reference, as should obesity researchers." -Marshall Godwin, MD, MSc, CCFP, writing in JAMA, 2008;299(17):2092-2093