Globesity: A Planet Out of Control? - Softcover

Delpeuch, Francis; Maire, Bernard; Monnier, Emmanuel; Holdsworth, Michelle

3.27

11 ratings by Goodreads

9781844076673: Globesity: A Planet Out of Control?

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1844076679 ISBN 13: 9781844076673

Publisher: Earthscan Publications Ltd., 2009

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Named as a 2009 Outstanding Academic Title by Choice

This book assesses the nature and scale of the obesity epidemic. It proposes that the causes are primarily socio-economic and the result of a distorted agricultural and food production and supply system. It argues that we should learn how to better manage our physical, social and economic environment rather than rely on individual lifestyle choices and behavior. The authors draw parallels between the obesity crisis and that of climate change, both being characterized by over-consumption of expensive and scarce resources and requiring radical, urgent, but sustainable solutions. Written in an accessible way that will be suitable for students and non-specialists the book draws on a wide range of literature from anthropology, economics, sociology, epidemiology, medicine and nutrition.

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About the Author:

Francis Delpeuch is Research Director in Public Health Nutrition and Work at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Human Nutrition, based at the French government research institute the IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le D�veloppement), in Montpellier, France.

Review:

This book shows how closely interwoven are the forces which shape our dietary health and our environmental and economic security. It recognizes that world history is at a point of transition, and that there is hope that we can yet avoid future disaster. Tim Lobstein, International Association for the Study of Obesity, UK Readers of Globesity may be dismayed to discover that obesity is not a problem exclusive to Americans. It affects Europeans and people throughout the world. This thorough and well written book provides all the evidence needed to convince anyone that the health threats are real and demand immediate action from governments as well as individuals. Marion Nestle, Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at New York University, and author of Food Politics and What to Eat The threats posed by obesity, and the rate at which the incidence has been rising, are unsustainable. The authors provide a compelling analysis of the causes and consequences of obesity, and set out the conditions under which the problems can be addressed. Erik Millstone, Professor of Science Policy, University of Sussex 'Focusing mainly on the overconsumption of our planet's resources as well as the culture in the western world of 'fast food' over healthy food, the conclusion of this highly topical title relates to the 'odd couple' that is obesity and climate change. Arguing that many of the solutions to obesity would also help to combat climate change, the loudest argument within the book is that we must act now if we have any hope of avoiding a two-fold global crisis.' The Environmentalist 'Despite being an easy read, this is a serious book that takes a genuinely cross-disciplinary approach to obesity as a disease. Even the most knowledgeable readers will find new facts and slants on fatness, and perhaps be encouraged to think more deeply about global public health.' HealthMatters 'The book is transformative. It should be read and debated by students and educators; parents; practitioners in pediatrics, public health, and general medicine; and leaders in government, business, city planning, marketing, and international relations. Essential.' J. M. Lacey, Choice. 'Gobesity is an excellent eye-opener; written in a very accessible style and including many interesting examples and anecdotes, it provides a useful overview of the obesity crisis, its causes and its repercussions. It is to be hoped that many policy-makers and citizens wake up and start developing anti-obestiy policies' Axel Michaelowa, International Affairs

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