Obesity: The other pandemic of the 21st century

Obesity is becoming one of the preeminent public health concerns, with prevalence increasing throughout the world. Covering many aspects of contemporary obesity research, this timely book by some of the leading experts in the field explores issues relating to the biology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of obesity, including childhood obesity. The work is attuned to the needs of those living with obesity, with a chapter devoted to the harm caused by weight stigma and false narratives around lifestyle choices. ‘Obesity, the other pandemic of the 21st century’ strives to prove that obesity should be considered not just as a key contributor towards comorbidities, but as a disease in its own right. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in raising the complexity and severity of obesity is examined, serving as a call to action for the prevention and early treatment of this disease. The research covered in these pages goes some way towards proving that obesity is quickly becoming ‘the other pandemic’ of the 21st century. Much like any major pandemic, the consequence of inaction is truly alarming.