The obesity epidemic in North America : connecting biology and culture

Book Description: Obesity prevalence in the U.S. is the highest among developed countries, a situation that calls for a nationwide understanding of this complex phenomenon. Brief yet comprehensive, The Obesity Epidemic in North America offers a much-needed examination of the effects of human evolution, environmental changes, human variation, poverty, and culture. An ideal supplement in nutritional anthropology or medical anthropology classes, the book's rare biocultural perspective helps readers grasp the root causes of obesity. As Bellisari sees it, the medical and nutrition-science fields are fully engaged in developing strategies to address the obesity problem. It is institutions, such as political and economic organizations, as well as society itself, that need to become more proactive in improving obesity-related public health. This text provides a giant first step toward that end. 朱力 Obesity prevalence in the U.S. is the highest among developed countries, a situation that calls for a nationwide understanding of this complex phenomenon. Brief yet comprehensive, The Obesity Epidemic in North America offers a much-needed examination of the effects of human evolution, environmental changes, human variation, poverty, and culture. An ideal supplement in nutritional anthropology or medical anthropology classes, the book's rare biocultural perspective helps readers grasp the root causes of obesity. As Bellisari sees it, the medical and nutrition-science fields are fully engaged in developing strategies to address the obesity problem. It is institutions, such as political and economic organizations, as well as society itself, that need to become more proactive in improving obesity-related public health. This text provides a giant first step toward that end. Title of related interest also available from Waveland Glasser, Anthropology of Addictions and Recovery (ISBN 9781577665588). North American Obesity Epidemic In A Global Context: Introduction Is obesity an epidemic? Measuring body fat Adipocytes Health risks of obesity Costs associated with obesity Anthropology and the obesity epidemic Conclusion Evolutionary Origins: Introduction Primate past Our hominin heritage Neolithic revolution Conclusion Biology Of Obesity: Introduction Energy regulation Obesity genes Obesity and the lifespan Conclusion Obesogenic Environment: Introduction Rise of the obesity epidemic Energy intake Feeding kids Poverty paradox Physical inactivity Work environment Physical activity and the built environment Conclusion Obesity And The American Dream: Introduction Body image Food and culture Culture change and globesity Capitalism, corporations, and the culture of profit Diet industry Bariatric surgery Consumers and the culture of accumulation Individualism and the culture of personal freedom Conclusion Ecology Of Obesity: Glossary References Index. Title Page Table of Contents Chapter 1 - The North American Obesity Epidemic in a Global Context Is Obesity an Epidemic? Measuring Body Fat Adipocytes Health Risks of Obesity Costs Associated with Obesity Anthropology and the Obesity Epidemic Conclusion Chapter 2 - Evolutionary Origins Our Hominin Heritage The Neolithic Revolution Chapter 3 - The Biology of Obesity Obesity Genes Obesity and the Lifespan Chapter 4 - The Obesogenic Environment Energy Intake Feeding Kids The Poverty Paradox Physical Inactivity The Work Environment Physical Activity and the Built Environment Chapter 5 - Obesity and the American Dream Food and Culture Culture Change and Globesity Capitalism, Corporations, and the Culture of Profit The Diet Industry Bariatric Surgery Consumers and the Culture of Accumulation Individualism and the Culture of Personal Freedom Chapter 6 - The Ecology of Obesity Glossary References Index