Obesity Is a Lifelong Health Problem

Reviews the book, Handbook of Obesity Intervention for the Lifespan edited by Larry C. James and John C. Linton (see record 2008-15948-000). The current volume was developed out of a project at Tripler Medical Center begun in 1995. Throughout the book, reference is made to that particular program, including some brief clinical vignettes. Very practical solutions to problems of treatment adherence and patient motivation are presented. I found the suggestions for inclusion of family members in the treatment of child and adolescent patients particularly helpful. The final chapter on bariatric surgery, contributed by Linton and Shin, is an excellent overview of current surgical procedures and the costs and benefits associated with each. This handbook will be useful to physicians; however, many psychologists may be unfamiliar with the medical terminology describing procedures and medications, and may be put off by it. There is overlap of material between chapters. Editorial oversights are scattered throughout the book, such as misspellings and inappropriate words (i.e., affective where effective is the appropriate choice). One of the chapters begins with an abstract; none of the others do. These editorial oversights serve as mild irritants disrupting the flow of the text. Overall, this handbook is a welcome source of information that succinctly reviews current evidence and practical recommendations for treating obese patients. Excessive weight is a public health problem that will not be quickly or easily resolved. It is important that health care providers educate themselves about the factors that contribute to excess weight, and with the variety of ways that this health problem can be addressed over the life span of their patients. James and Linton’s handbook will be a useful text in the classroom. Physicians and health psychologists will find this handbook a valuable source of information. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)