Hardback
Obesity and the Economics of Prevention
Fit not Fat
9781849808606 Edward Elgar Publishing
The authors, including special contributions from health and obesity experts Marc Suhrcke, Tim Lobstein, Donald Kenkel and Francesco Branca, challenge the perception that explanations for the obesity epidemic are simple and solutions are within reach. A detailed look at the data reveals a more complicated picture, one in which even finding objective evidence on the phenomenon is a difficult task.
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Critical Acclaim
Contents
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In more than half of the OECD, 50% or more of the population is overweight. A key risk factor for a range of chronic diseases, obesity has become a major public health concern. This book contributes to evidence-based policy making by exploring multiple dimensions of the obesity problem.
The authors, including special contributions from health and obesity experts Marc Suhrcke, Tim Lobstein, Donald Kenkel and Francesco Branca, challenge the perception that explanations for the obesity epidemic are simple and solutions are within reach. A detailed look at the data reveals a more complicated picture, one in which even finding objective evidence on the phenomenon is a difficult task.
This important book examines the scale and characteristics of the epidemic, the respective roles and influence of market forces and governments, and the impact of interventions. It argues that efforts to prevent obesity and related chronic diseases can provide the means to increase social welfare and enhance health equity, relative to a situation in which chronic diseases are simply treated once they emerge. It outlines an economic approach to the prevention of chronic diseases that provides novel insights relative to a more traditional public health approach.
Policy makers, health professionals and academics in public and social policy, as well as health economists who are trying to understand the epidemic and devise an effective strategy to counter it, will find this a vital resource.
The authors, including special contributions from health and obesity experts Marc Suhrcke, Tim Lobstein, Donald Kenkel and Francesco Branca, challenge the perception that explanations for the obesity epidemic are simple and solutions are within reach. A detailed look at the data reveals a more complicated picture, one in which even finding objective evidence on the phenomenon is a difficult task.
This important book examines the scale and characteristics of the epidemic, the respective roles and influence of market forces and governments, and the impact of interventions. It argues that efforts to prevent obesity and related chronic diseases can provide the means to increase social welfare and enhance health equity, relative to a situation in which chronic diseases are simply treated once they emerge. It outlines an economic approach to the prevention of chronic diseases that provides novel insights relative to a more traditional public health approach.
Policy makers, health professionals and academics in public and social policy, as well as health economists who are trying to understand the epidemic and devise an effective strategy to counter it, will find this a vital resource.
Critical Acclaim
‘This volume, initiated by the OECD, provides an overview of trends and future projections of obesity; discusses the economic costs associated with this major health issue; and examines various government and market strategies designed to prevent this growing problem. . . A timely, valuable volume on a critical issue. . . Highly recommended.’
– E.P. Hoffman, Choice
‘This book presents a valuable set of results and suggestions about the best preventive interventions to reduce the burden of obesity. It will aid any country concerned about this burden in defining public policies aimed at altering current trends.’
– Julio Frenk, Harvard School of Public Health, US
‘The positive message of this book is that the obesity epidemic can be successfully addressed by comprehensive strategies involving multiple interventions directed at individuals and populations.’
– Ala Alwan, World Health Organization
‘This innovative and well-researched book combines insights from a wide range of disciplines. It provides a clear exposition of the evidence that policy makers need to take action.’
– Martin McKee, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
– E.P. Hoffman, Choice
‘This book presents a valuable set of results and suggestions about the best preventive interventions to reduce the burden of obesity. It will aid any country concerned about this burden in defining public policies aimed at altering current trends.’
– Julio Frenk, Harvard School of Public Health, US
‘The positive message of this book is that the obesity epidemic can be successfully addressed by comprehensive strategies involving multiple interventions directed at individuals and populations.’
– Ala Alwan, World Health Organization
‘This innovative and well-researched book combines insights from a wide range of disciplines. It provides a clear exposition of the evidence that policy makers need to take action.’
– Martin McKee, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
Contents
Contents: 1. Introduction: Obesity and the Economics of Prevention Special Focus I: Promoting Health and Fighting Chronic Diseases: What Impact on the Economy? by Marc Suhrcke 2. Obesity: Past and Projected Future Trends 3. The Social Dimensions of Obesity Special Focus II: The Size and Risks of the International Epidemic of Child Obesity by Tim Lobstein 4. How Does Obesity Spread? Special Focus II: Are Health Behaviors Driven by Information? by Donald Kenkel 5. Tackling Special Focus IV: Community Interventions for the Prevention of Obesity by Francesco Branca 6. The Impact of Inventions Special Focus V: Regulation of Food Advertising to Children: The UK Experience by Jonathan Porter Special Focus VI: The Case of Self-Regulation in Food Advertising by Stephan Loerke 7. Information, Incentives and Choice: A Viable Approach to Preventing Obesity Annexes
