The Obesity Epidemic

Science, Morality and Ideology

Jan Wright author Michael Gard author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:26th Apr '05

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

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The Obesity Epidemic cover

Increasing obesity levels are currently big news but do we think carefully enough about what this trend actually means? Everybody – including doctors, parents, teachers, sports clubs, businesses and governments – has a role to play in the ‘war on obesity’. But is talk of an obesity ‘crisis’ justified? Is it the product of measured scientific reasoning or age-old ‘habits of mind’? Why is it happening now? And are there potential risks associated with talking about obesity as an ‘epidemic’?

The Obesity Epidemic proposes that obesity science and the popular media present a complex mix of ambiguous knowledge, familiar (yet unstated) moral agendas and ideological assumptions.

'The Obesity Epidemic is a superb contribution to the sociology of knowledge, and an essential text for anyone who wants to understand the current moral panic over fat.' - Paul Campos, University of Colorado, author of The Obesity Myth

'The strength in this book lies in its ability to provide its readers with a critical view of obesity science by challenging them to go beyond traditional thinking ... reminding them of the harmful and stigmatizing consequences of adopting a 'war on obesity' mentality ... This book is an essential read for anyone who is interested in health, obesity, health promotion, and public health.'-Krista Rondeau, Dieticians of Canada


'...a superb contribution to the sociology of knowledge, and an essential text for anyone who wants to understand the current moral panic over fat.' - Paul Campos, University of Colorado

ISBN: 9780415318969

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 430g

226 pages