The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared obesity a global epidemic. Its prevalence has more than doubled since 1980, causing a myriad of health problems for children and adults. Obesity: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Prevention, Second Edition explores the molecular mechanisms and pathophysiology leading to obesity and metabolic disorders. It examines the safety of obesity drugs and drug development strategies as well as the role of physical activity, nutrition, and nutraceutical supplements in obesity treatment and prevention.
With contributions from a cadre of internationally known experts, the book covers a spectrum of essential topics related to this widespread phenomenon, including:
- The relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes
- The addiction mechanism related to refined foods as a significant factor in obesity
- The correlation between obesity and environmental estrogens, endocrine disruption, cigarette smoking, and inflammatory response
- The role of drug and chemical toxicities and genomic imprinting disorders in obesity
- The safety and regulation of prescription and over-the-counter weight loss drugs
- Various diets, the glycemic index, and the role of exercise in treating or preventing obesity
- Controversy over effective vs. banned weight loss supplements
- Childhood obesity and its prevention
- Bariatric surgery for weight management and reversal of metabolic disorders
As the public has become more aware of the deadly adverse effects of obesity, numerous products and programs have targeted the overweight and obese population, many with dangerous side effects. It is essential that we develop strategic, therapeutic intervention supported by credible data. This volume is an ideal reference point for researchers looking for new avenues of inquiry and practicing medical professionals, clinical nutritionists, and dietitians seeking guidance for their patients.
Debasis Bagchi is a professor in the Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy in Texas and the Director of Innovation & Clinical Affairs at Iovate Health Sciences Research Inc., in Oakville, Canada. His research interests include free radicals, human diseases, carcinogenesis, pathophysiology, mechanistic aspects of cytoprotection by antioxidants, and regulatory pathways in obesity, diabetes, and gene expression. He has received funding from various institutions and agencies, including the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Nebraska State Department of Health, Biomedical Research Support Grant from National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Health Future Foundation, The Procter & Gamble Company, and Abbott Laboratories. Dr. Bagchi received the Master of the American College of Nutrition Award in 2009. He has authored 287 peer- reviewed publications and 15 books.
Harry G. Preuss
is a tenured professor at Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.) in four departments--biochemistry, physiology, medicine, and pathology. His current research, both laboratory and clinical, centers on the use of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals to favorably influence or even prevent a variety of medical perturbations, especially those related to obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disorders. He has also researched the ability of essential oils and fats to overcome various infections, including those resistant to antibiotics. He recently won the coveted Charles E. Ragus Award of the American College of Nutrition (ACN) for publishing the best research paper in their journal for the year 2006 and the ACN Award for 2010 given to an outstanding senior investigator in nutrition.
