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Obesity is a major public health challenge. More than one-third of the U.S. adult population is considered obese, a figure that has more than doubled since the mid-1970s. Among children, obesity rates have more than tripled over the same period. Not only is obesity associated with numerous medical complications, but it incurs significant economic cost. At its simplest, obesity is a result of an energy imbalance, with obese (and overweight) people consuming more energy (calories) than they are expending. During the last 10-20 years, behavioral scientists have made significant progress toward building an evidence base for understanding what drives energy imbalance in overweight and obese individuals. Meanwhile, food scientists have been tapping into this growing evidence base to improve existing technologies and create new technologies that can be applied to alter the food supply in ways that reduce the obesity burden on the American population. Leveraging Food Technology for Obesity Prevention and Reduction Effort examines the complexity of human eating behavior and explores ways in which the food industry can continue to leverage modern food processing technologies to influence energy intake. The report also examines the opportunities and challenges of altering the food supply—both at home and outside the home—and outlines lessons learned, best practices, and next steps.

Healthcare professionals working at the coal face of primary care are now faced daily with the challenge of both preventing and treating obesity. Fast Facts: Obesity, written by leading experts in the field, provides a comprehensive overview of the causes and implications of obesity, and is packed with practical advice on the assessment and management of the obese patient. It explains clearly how to achieve the seemingly simple objective of a negative energy balance, through caloric restriction and increased physical activity, and the importance of changing patients'habits and attitudes through behavioral therapy. The book provides the latest information on adjunctive pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery, the latter being a vital and cost-effective means of improving health and quality of life in some individuals. The authors also explore issues specific to the management of obesity in children, pregnant women and the elderly. As well as being a disease in its own right, obesity is a key risk factor for serious chronic conditions - type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and many cancers - and also leads to a plethora of non-fatal but debilitating health problems, including musculoskeletal problems (e.g. osteoarthritis), respiratory problems and obstructive sleep apnea. This exciting new title in the Fast Facts library is complementary to the recently updated Fast Facts: Diabetes Mellitus as well as Fast Facts titles covering the numerous conditions associated with obesity (e.g. hyperlipidemia, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea). It is an invaluable resource for any healthcare professional who wants to understand and manage this major threat to human health.