Globesity, the new word coined some years ago by the World Health Organization, is a blend of globe and obesity. It points out that this problem has reached epidemic proportions everywhere: there are more than 1 billion overweight adults in the world and at least 300 million of them are obese. Obesity in children, adolescents and adults is a serious issue with many physical, emotional and social consequences. A multidimensional approach (bio-psycho-social) seems to be convenient but medical evidence has not yet soundly demonstrated a safe and long-term effective method of treatment. This book provides an in depth look at overweight and obesity: definition, prevalence, causes, consequences, treatment, weight loss surgery, research and additional reading. The readers will find a number of key recommendations and advice on choosing a good program to follow.

Massimo Cuzzolaro teaches Psychiatry at "La Sapienza" University in Rome, where he also heads a clinic for eating disorders. Since 1996 he has been editor-in-chief of "Eating and Weight Disorders: Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia, and Obesity".

Ottavio Bosello, MD, is Professor of Geriatrics and Gerontology and Director of the Department of Biomedical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Geriatrics - School of Geriatrics, Center for the Study of Clinical Nutrition, Obesity and Eating disorders at the University of Verona.