Obesity Prevention and Public Health

More than 22 million children under five are now obese or overweight.
Globally, an estimated 10% of school-aged children, between five and
17 years old, are overweight or obese, and the situation is getting
worse. Although recognised clinically for some time as an important
condition that
increases risk of ill-health in affected individuals, it is only
recently, that obesity has been recognised as a population-wide
problem that requires preventive action. Obesity is a major
contributor to diseases and disability, the associated health costs
are enormous, obesity has already reached
epidemic proportions in many countries, and incidence is continuing
to increase in children and adults. Disturbingly the epidemic is not
confined to developed countries, with many developing countries and
those in transition affected. While recognised as a major population
health problem, our
understanding of the causes of the epidemic is poor, there has been
relatively little population-based research that has focused on the
prevention of unhealthy weight gain, and as a consequence knowledge
regarding how and where best to intervene is limited. This book draws
together the existing
literature and expertise and with a view to helping set the agenda
for public health action. The book is divided into three sections.
Part 1 provides an overview of the context of the problem. It
examines the epidemiology of obesity, the role of behavioural
factors, socio-cultural factors and
environmental factors in the obesity epidemic. Part 2 reviews
interventions across a range of key settings and in different
population groups - drawing on existing research that has aimed to
increase physical activity, promote healthy eating and prevent
obesity at a population level. Given how
little research there is that has specifically examined the
effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing obesity per se,
Part 3 explores potential opportunities to prevent obesity