Obesity is a comprehensive look at a subject that is a serious problem for millions of people.  This will be a great addition to any school library to supplement a health/wellness program or for a beginner researcher.

The book starts off with a real life testimonial from a fifth grader named Jessica who is obese.  The doctors tell Jessica that she is more likely to develop serious medical problems.  Jessica already suffers from asthma, which is made worse by obesity and the doctors are concerned that she will develop diabetes.  The story follows Jessica to her visit to the nutritionist where she learns better eating and exercise habits. 

Chapter two defines obesity and not just in medical terms but also in terms of emotional toll it has on people.  It discusses that nowhere in the world is the obesity epidemic more serious than in the United States.  It also covers the causes of obesity from diet, genetics, medical conditions, and the environmental factors.  Other chapters discuss the history of obesity, living with obesity, diagnosing/treatment and prevention. 

The book also includes a glossary and additional resources with web sites.  Each page is designed with a younger reader in mind with color pictures, bold faced words, and sidebars.