Understanding Obesity

Stanley Ulijaszek is an anthropologist studying obesity from evolutionary and cultural perspectives. He has undertaken research internationally, in both the Global North and South. He is Director of the Unit for Biocultural Variation and Obesity (UBVO), University of Oxford, which focuses on cultural and policy aspects of body fatness and obesity.

• 1. I'm too fat; 2. It's my genes; 3. It's my metabolism; 4. I blame the food corporations; 5. I blame society; 6. You've only got yourself to blame; 7. You eat too much; 8. You don't get out enough; 9. Understanding the imperfect storm; Summary of common misunderstandings; References; Figure credits; Index.

'This excellent, highly accessible book is for anyone who struggles to make sense of the conflicting portrayals of obesity in our media and across society. Stanley Ulijaszek takes the reader on a fascinating journey from genetics to ultra-processed foods, from swimming to stigma. He explores the latest science to unpick assumptions and misconceptions about obesity in ways that are both enlightening and entertaining, throwing fresh light on this highly complex challenge.' Harry Rutter, Professor of Global Public Health, University of Bath