Healthcare professionals working at the coal face of primary care are now faced daily with the challenge of both preventing and treating obesity. Fast Facts: Obesity, written by leading experts in the field, provides a comprehensive overview of the causes and implications of obesity, and is packed with practical advice on the assessment and management of the obese patient. It explains clearly how to achieve the seemingly simple objective of a negative energy balance, through caloric restriction and increased physical activity, and the importance of changing patients' habits and attitudes through behavioral therapy. The book provides the latest information on adjunctive pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery, the latter being a vital and cost-effective means of improving health and quality of life in some individuals. The authors also explore issues specific to the management of obesity in children, pregnant women and the elderly. As well as being a disease in its own right, obesity is a key risk factor for serious chronic conditions -type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and many cancers - and also leads to a plethora of non-fatal but debilitating health problems, including musculoskeletal problems (e.g. osteoarthritis), respiratory problems and obstructive sleep apnea. This exciting new title in the Fast Facts library is complementary to the recently updated Fast Facts: Diabetes Mellitus as well as Fast Facts titles covering the numerous conditions associated with obesity (e.g. hyperlipidemia, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea). It is an invaluable resource for any healthcare professional who wants to understand and manage this major threat to human health. Contents: Epidemiology; Patient assessment: Causes and science; Cardiometabolic consequences; Other consequences; Management: diet; Management: physical activity: Management: behavioral therapy; Pharmacological and surgical treatments; Specific patient groups; Management tools and programs.