European Eating Disorders ReviewEur. Eat. Disorders Rev. 10, 376 (2002)

Book Review

Handbook of Obesity TreatmentEdited by Thomas A. Wadden and Albert J. StunkardGuildford Press (2002), £45.95 (hardback), pp. 624, ISBN 1572307226

Obesity is a growing problem, and has profound impact on physical, social andpsychological well-being.

This excellent and comprehensive book provides a clear and well-writtenguide to the management of obesity. It is divided into 27 chapters, in six parts.Each chapter is self-contained, so can be read in isolation. The first part of thebook looks at the prevalence, consequences and aetiology of obesity, withauthorative and readable chapters on weight regulation, metabolism andgenetics. There is also a chapter devoted to Binge Eating Disorder and Night-Eating syndrome. Part 2 comprises chapters which address disease incidence,mortality, and psychosocial consequences of obesity and weight loss. Part 3details the assessment of obesity, and the remaining parts look at the treatmentof adult and childhood obesity and obesity prevention.

The chapters provide comprehensive reviews of the current research andliterature which is fully referenced and also gives details of work in progress.All aspects of weight control from self help and commercial weight lossprogrammes, through to drug treatment and surgery are covered, and anupbeat and enthusiastic stance is maintained throughout. The importance ofempathic and thorough assessment is stressed throughout the volume, as is thenecessity of forming realistic goals and aims of weight management to bediscussed in detail with the patient.

The array of distinguished and expert authors, who have the talent ofconveying their knowledge in a digestible state, make for an enjoyable read.This book is ideal for dipping into or for systematic consumption, and I wouldrecommend it to any individual engaged in the care of obese patients.

Helen BirchallPublished online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI: 10.1002/erv.482

European Eating Disorders ReviewCopyright # 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. 10(5), 376 (2002)