Fed up! Winning the war against childhood obesity

Abstract

FED UP! WINNING THE WAR AGAINST CHILDHOOD OBESITY Susan Okie Washington DC: Joseph Henry Press 2005, PB 322 pp, USD27.95 ISBN 0-309-10198-0This is a well-researched, highly informative and comprehensive book discussing causes and solutions to childhood obesity. Using a narrative style, the author presents a coherent account of the issue, constructively encouraging readers to pursue solutions at home and in their communities. Importantly, the book is written in a supportive tone, and avoids any possibility of victim blaming in relation to children or their parents.The book spans the complexities of medical and social aspects of obesity, drawing on research from physiology, genetics, social science, health promotion, medical care and surgery disciplines. The topics cover the role of genes in increasing risk for obesity, regulation of appetite, the early development of children's eating habits, and how factors during pregnancy influence weight; as well as some of the actions that are underway to prevent and manage obesity, such as school-based programs, services for overweight children, and programs to reduce time spent in sedentary activities, particularly watching TV. The author covers the role of both individual and social factors, as causes and solutions, giving a balanced perspective. For those readers familiar with the topic and current research, this book offers comprehensive synthesis, more than fresh insights or in-depth social analysis.While the book is solely about childhood obesity in the United States of America, the topics, causes and possible remedial actions are generally applicable to Australia, and other developed countries.As catchy as the title is, the book's emphasis perpetuates current community perceptions about the primacy of eating as a factor, and the relative neglect of issues associated with physical activity. It is unfortunate that there is only one chapter focused on physical activity, even though this chapter covers many issues, from TV viewing to urban sprawl.The author notes that she wrote the book to empower parents to respond to 'the epidemic'. This aim of reaching a lay audience is reflected to some degree in the inclusion of stylistic features of the popular science genre, such as human interest vignettes (on children, families, teachers, and nutritionists), introducing researchers through personal descriptions in order to present them as real people (the physician is 'a friendly man with salt and pepper hair'), and using everyday cues to convey the reader into new topics ('the spacious, brightly coloured kitchen'). However, despite the narrative style and popularist touches, this book is not likely to be read by a wide cross-section of parents, as the material is too research-oriented and information-dense. …