Obesity is a worldwide epidemic that shows no signs of abating. Ali (Diabetes and You: A Comprehensive, Holistic Approach) offers readers an overview of the history of condition (from the Venus of Willendorf to the Catholic church's stance that obesity was 'a punishment for gorgers'), its causes (e.g., sugary drinks), how it affects the health of the individual (e.g., increased risk of heart disease), how it affects society (e.g., taking up more and more of the total US medical expenditures) and how it can be addressed. In examining topics ranging from the role of the food industry, to how gastric bypass surgery works, to appropriate exercise regimens, Ali covers all of obesity's bases (except recipes). . . . Ali dutifully provides an extensive glossary of relevant terms, and a compendium of resources for folks struggling with obesity and those interested in further reading.

Publishers Weekly

The earth’s population keeps getting bigger—in absolute numbers as well as in weight and waist size. Obesity has become a global epidemic. The World Health Organization estimates that there will be 2 billion overweight adults by 2015. The Obesity Reality looks at the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and consequences of obesity. For starters, physician Ali points out that the proliferation of fast-food options, the increased number of sedentary jobs, and the abundance of automobiles aren’t exactly squelching fatness. Nor are soda, high-fructose corn syrup, and countless hours spent sitting in front of the TV or computer screen. Obesity puts people at risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and even gallstones and gout. Treatments include lifestyle changes, alternative-medicine therapies, prescription and nonprescription medications, and surgical procedures (gastric banding or bypass). Chapters on childhood obesity, blame and guilt, motivational ideas, and obesity’s connection with mental health are especially cogent....This book is a useful primer. There are no shortcuts for shrinking the problem of obesity.

Booklist

The Obesity Reality is a fascinating look at the greatest health challenge the world faces today. The author increases our knowledge and understanding of obesity using both a scientific and medical approach. He covers all aspects of obesity, including history, pathophysiology, social, legal, economic aspects and provides some practical advice. This is a concise but comprehensive guide for anyone who is wrestling with excess weight and wants to conquer their problem through greater understanding and knowledge.

Serena H. Chen M.D.

This book is very concise and factual, yet easy to read for everyone. It is inclusive of all the current data on obesity. I was especially impressed with the vivid descriptions of the surgical treatments. It’s definitely much to my liking and highly recommended.

Charles Tullius

Dr. Ali's book offers a comprehensive look at the causes of obesity and the ways to reverse it. His thoughtful, well-documented book is written in language that anyone can understand. His approach to preventing or reversing obesity is based on rock-solid science. He offers sound advice on working with your physician as you reverse obesity and sound advice on creating good eating habits for your kids. Read this book and make it part of your 40-year plan!

Susan D. Delaney M.D

Dr. Naheed Ali’s The Obesity Reality has something to offer to a wide audience. Overweight adults, parents of obese children, doctors, corporate CEOs and government policy makers will all find great value in this book. The author goes on to explain the physiological basis of digestion and the transformation of various foods into energy. This is followed by a section on the diagnosis of obesity, which stresses the need to exclude (by seeing a doctor) medical conditions that can present as excessive weight gain. Moreover, the chapters on childhood obesity, aimed primarily at parents, and links between mental health and obesity also contain vital information that all health professionals should be aware of.

Stuart J. Bramhall M.D