Physical Activity and Obesity

Obesity and a physically inactive lifestyle are two of the most prevalent risk factors for common chronic diseases in the Western world. Physical Activity and Obesity provides the exercise science and sports medicine communities with a much-needed reference that addresses the key issues concerning the link between physical activity (or inactivity) and obesity.

Each of the book's 19 chapters is written by one or more experts in the field. These prominent scientists and clinicians provide clear explanations of the concepts, research techniques, and results presented. The authors present up-to-date, comprehensive, and authoritative discussions on the various aspects of physical activity and obesity, and the supporting data is reviewed, tabulated, and diagrammatically illustrated.

The chapters are organized into four broad categories so that readers can quickly access those chapters that are most pertinent to their interests and needs.

Part I provides an overview of the current obesity epidemic, its implications for morbidity and mortality rates, and its economic burden.

Part II includes chapters on the determinants of obesity and the assessments of energy expenditure components and dietary habits.

Part III provides an overview of the role of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of obesity for various population groups, including the severely obese, and it addresses the topic of weight loss maintenance.

Finally, Part IV focuses on the role of physical activity in the comorbidities of obesity and with respect to the health status of the obese. It also discusses how to modify the physical activity habits of the obese.

Physical Activity and Obesity is an indispensable resource for researchers, medical practitioners, public health policy decision-makers, and students. In fact, it's an excellent text for anyone who wants to better understand the role of physical activity in the overall energy balance equation and its influence on the health status of the obese.