Fat Wars : The Inside Story of the Obesity Industry

by ellen-ruppel-shell

We are facing a gathering health crisis of epic proportions. The crisis is obesity and the diseases linked to it - hypertension, diabetes, cancer and heart disease. While multinational drug companies race to find a cure, the problem only worsens, with experts declaring that the UK is the second most obese nation on the planet and that 31,000 death a year in Britain are obesity-related. In a rare blend of cutting-edge science, history and personal stories, Shell builds a compelling narrative culminating in a thought-provoking - and radical - call to arms. This is the definitive account of how the western world got fat - and what we can do about it.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Nutrition, Food, Health

Paperback

First published January 13, 2004

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why I'm interested in this book at the first place
One of the books borrowed from Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia via Libby app.

What do I think of this book... now that I've done reading it
Shell brought insights on obesity and the correlation with food industry, within a UK-centric perspective.

Do bear in mind that this book was published circa 2004-05, therefore the majority of earlier reviews highlighted on the fact that the information's outdated.

+
Highlights of my favorites:
1. The backstory (yes, I use the term loosely) of obesity as early as ancient Greek/Roman civilization.
2. Some chapters also dedicated to explain scientific research/experiment conducted by Scientists - the term "lipostat" is frequently mentioned

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1. The chapters arranged not in chronological history manner. You will experience time jump, from the social culture in the ancient world; and the next chapter on modern research decades later.
2. Was hoping Shell covers more on connection with fast food and modern life style. Was she bound to restrictions on exposé?

Get this
1. A good start if you're interested in food culture, this book is for you
2. One of recommend prequel (read) of you're a fan/have read Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser (2001)

[Hubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thorough account of the discovery of the obesity gene, describing the neurological pathways that lead to appetite building, and the relation between nature and nurture in this ever-growing public health problem.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Already a bit outdated, but very informative and easy to read and digest (ha...) for a science book heavy (I am too funny) on facts and stats.

[Pamela Jamieson-smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

another insight into food industry. eye opening if you aren't already into it, and interesting if you already are.

[Victoria (Eve's Alexandria) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outdated now, and Shell seems to have used some old sources even back in 2003, but still a fascinating insight into the science of obesity and weight gain.