Named as a 2009 Outstanding Academic Title by Choice

This book assesses the nature and scale of the obesity epidemic. It proposes that the causes are primarily socio-economic and the result of a distorted agricultural and food production and supply system. It argues that we should learn how to better manage our physical, social and economic environment rather than rely on individual lifestyle choices and behavior. The authors draw parallels between the obesity crisis and that of climate change, both being characterized by over-consumption of expensive and scarce resources and requiring radical, urgent, but sustainable solutions. Written in an accessible way that will be suitable for students and non-specialists the book draws on a wide range of literature from anthropology, economics, sociology, epidemiology, medicine and nutrition.

Table of Contents:

List of Figures and Boxes; Foreword: Human Health and Global Crisis—Tim Lobstein; Preface: Tragic Blindness; 1) Wave of Panic Across the Planet; 2) 'Badnosh' and Other Paradoxes of the Abundant Society; 3) Revolution on Our Plates; 4) Agriculture in the Age of 'More is More'; 5) Welcome to Wal-Mart; 6) Culprits or Scapegoats?; 7) Go Active!; 8) Slimming with Pills; 9) Prevention is Better than Cure; 10) Some Leads and Their Limits; 11) Obesity and Climate Change: An Odd Couple; Epilogue: At the Crossroads; Bibliography; Index.