Understanding obesity

The birth of a nation? -- Energy is the key: an introduction to calories -- Variety is the spice of life: getting your essential nutrients -- What you don't know will hurt you: what's really in fast food -- Big Mac nation going supersized -- Out of the television... -- Fighting the fast food habit: can America downsize?.

Because obesity is such a serious and prevalent medical condition, modern medicine has developed many different ways to fight it. Sometimes, diet and exercise aren't enough, and that's when a doctor may prescribe a medical intervention. Discover some of these techniques, from surgery to medications.

The obesity epidemic has spawned a multi-billion-dollar industry, promising miracle weight-loss solutions, get-thin-quick diets, and too-good-to-be-true diet pills. Learn the truth about quick-fix diets and miraculous obesity cure-alls. Discover that most of these products are part of the problem rather than the solution.

Discover the true causes of obesity, from our genetics to the way in which we were raised. Understand the truth behind our culture's myths about obesity and weight.

Discover the factors that influence how we view ourselves and our bodies. The choice to see yourself as valuable and beautiful, no matter what you may look like, is up to you!.

Learn about the various health risks associated with our expanding bodies and how obesity can cause many different health problems throughout life. Discover the true cost of obesity, both to those who face the condition and to our society as a whole.

Explore the causes of the weight epidemic and the health risks that stem from excess weight. Discover the part that physical fitness plays in today's obesity crisis. Learn how fitness, not just slimness, should be the goal of those trying to lose weight. Make physical activity a part of your life!.

Learn more about why people's emotions push them to eat the way they do, and discover how people develop unhealthy emotional relationships with food. When you understand the risks of eating because of your emotions, you'll be able to understand your body's needs better,and you'll know how to stick with healthy eating, no matter how you're feeling.

Find out how eating habits have been shaped by our love of bigness. Learn about what's best for your long-term health, and what you need to do to begin changing bad eating habits now.

Discusses the increasing problem of childhood obesity, and the discrimination young people face because of the shape of their bodies, their weight, or the way they look.