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.
"One of America's finest science writers tackles one of our most urgent public health issues."
Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation
"Nourishing but absolutely readable... This book will tell you why we've become overweight the world over, and what we can do about it."
Independent
"A fascinating book... Shell has a droll manner and narrative gift that transforms the most unpromising chapters of obesity R&D into observant little dramas... An illuminating history of overweight"
