Obesity, Business and Public Policy [Hardcover]

Zolton J. Acs (Editor), Alan Lyles (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 7, 2007 | ISBN-10: 1845425006 | ISBN-13: 978-1845425005 | Edition: 1

The effects of obesity have become practically ubiquitous in the US. This book aims to provide an alternative framework through which to explore the important and controversial obesity debate that has spilled over from the medical community. This book is not about obesity as a medical condition, nor does it offer a wide-ranging discussion on the health effects of obesity or the role of the 'right' diet. To this end, the contributors present a multidisciplinary portrait of this complex problem. They explore the rising trend in obesity of the US in terms of its significant economic and social consequences. The web of underlying causes of the 'infrastructure of obesity', they explain, lies with public policy decisions, economic factors and profit opportunities as well as the more obvious nutrition and health choices of individuals. Prevention and treatment of this now global pandemic are then tackled from the perspectives of businesses, governments, society and the individual. The taxation, marketing, cultural, ethical and institutional dimensions of obesity are also addressed. "Obesity, Business and Public Policy" is unique in its broad social science approach, exploring the obesity epidemic from economic, business, legal, social and public policy perspectives. As such, this truly multidisciplinary study will make fascinating reading for academics and professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds including: business, economics, public and social policy, medicine and nutrition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This collection of essays provides a thorough overview of the complex issue of obesity... The book provides an excellent overview of the obesity in the US, and does an excellent job of suggesting potential solutions, along with the difficulties we will likely encounter when trying to implement these solutions. It is written for the lay person and is an enjoyable read.' --- Inas Rashad, Eastern Economic Journal

'As numerous major American cities propose and implement bans on trans fats in prepared foods, a book examining the causes, consequences, and solutions to the rising incidence of obesity could not be timelier. This work provides important insights into the economic and policy issues associated with obesity. Recognizing the complex interrelationships between medical and economic aspects of both causes and treatments, and the conflicts between personal and public policy considerations, the editors offer a richly comprehensive approach. . . . Although this volume focuses on the causes of, and responses to, obesity in the US, its general discussion and framework provide a useful introduction to analyzing obesity internationally. Highly recommended.' --- E. Magenheim, Choice

'The book brings together an impressive group of contributors, and the table of contents covers a range of issues from a discussion of culture, obesity and institutions, to discussions of obesity and the individual, and then sections on obesity and business, and obesity and government.' --- Linda Botterill, Australian Journal of Political Science --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Edited by Zoltan J. Acs, McCurdy Distinguished Professor, Merrick School of Business, University of Baltimore, US and Alan Lyles, Rosenberg Professor, Yale Gordon College of Liberal Arts, University of Baltimore, US

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing; 1 edition (April 7, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1845425006
• ISBN-13: 978-1845425005
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,031,384 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)