Obesity in the 21st Century

In recent years, the focus of obesity prevention has been on diet. However, diet is only one of many factors which play a role in the development of obesity. This book looks at these factors and the latest research on how they contribute to the development of obesity, and the many different methods that have been and are being used to treat and prevent obesity.

Written in an accessible language, this book provides the latest and most up to date information on research into the causes, health consequences and treatment of obesity. It educates and advocates for healthier lifestyles, a better understanding of diets and weight loss programs, and associated chronic diseases. It is written for everyone interested in obesity and enables the reader to take informed action to reduce the likelihood of putting on weight and the risk of developing chronic illnesses.

Alfred Poulos has a PhD from London University, a law degree from Adelaide University and a professorship from Adelaide University, for his research into genetic diseases, fats and fat metabolism. He held the position of Chief Medical Scientist at the Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide, South Australia, for many years and has published over 150 papers in the international scientific and medical journals. He is a current member of the Human Research Ethics Committee of Alfred Health in Melbourne, reviewing medical and other health-related research projects. While Professor Poulos’ medical and scientific research has been wide and varied, it has chiefly focused on the role fats play in health and disease. His recent interests are in nutrition, and in the chemical pollutants present in our food, water and the environment. This interest led to his publication of The Silent Threat (2005), a book that provides consumers with information on the source of many of these chemicals as well as their possible effects on our health and The Secret Life of Chemicals (Springer, 2021).