Table of Contents

Introduction 7

1 Obesity: A Growing Epidemic 9

2 The Nuts and Bolts of Genetics 25

3 The Genetics of Obesity 37

4 Environmental Factors and Obesity 51

5 The Effect of Socioeconomic Status 73

6 It's a Simple Question of Nature vs. Nurture, Right? 87

Series Glossary of Key Terms 98

Further Reading 100

For More Information 101

Index 102

Picture Credits 103

About the Author & the Consultant 104