The Genetics of Obesity / Edition 1

by Claude Bouchard

Overview

This book provides a comprehensive compilation of the evidence available regarding the role of genetic differences in the etiology of human obesities and their health and metabolic implications. It also identifies the most promising research areas, methods, and strategies for use in future efforts to understand the genetic basis of obesities and their consequences on human health. Leading researchers in their respective fields present contributed chapters on such topics as etiology and the prevalence of obesities, nongenetic determinants of obesity and fat topography, and animal models and molecular biological technology used to delineate the genetic basis of human obesities. A major portion of the book is devoted to human genetic research and clinical observations encompassing adoption studies, twin studies, family studies, single gene effects, temporal trends and etiology heterogeneity, energy intake and food preference, energy expenditure, and susceptibility to metabolic derangements in the obese state. Future directions of research in the field are covered in the book as well.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780849348808
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/28/1994
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Genetics of Human Obesities: Introductory Notes (C. Bouchard). Etiology and Prevalence of Obesity (G.A. Bray). Nongenetic Determinants of Obesity and Body Fat Topography (J.O. Hill, M.J. Pagliassotti, and J.C. Peters). Overview of the Adoption Studies (T.I.A. Sorensen and A.J. Stunkard). Twin Studies of Human Obesity (J. Meyer and A.J. Stunkard). Genetics of Obesity: Family Studies (C. Bouchard and L. Pérusse). The Case for Single Gene Effects on Human Obesity (A. Price). Genetics of Obesity: Etiologic Heterogeneity and Temporal Trends (I.B. Borecki, M.A. Province, C. Bouchard, and D.C. Rao). Genetics of Energy Intake and Food Preferences (L. Pérusse and C. Bouchard). Genetics of Energy Expenditure in Humans (C. Bouchard, O. Deriaz, L. Pérusse, and A. Tremblay). Inherited Susceptibility to Metabolic Complications of Obesity (R. Williams, P.N. Hopkins, S.C. Hunt, M.C. Schumacher, B.M. Stults, L.L. Wu, and S.J. Hasstedt). Animal Models of Genetic Obesity: Peripheral Tissue Changes (P.R. Johnson and F. Gregoire). Identification of Genes Underlying Polygenic Obesity in Animal Models (C.H. Warden and J.S. Fisler). Genetics and Molecular Biology of Adipose Cell Characteristics (G. Ailhaud, P.A. Grimaldi, and R.L. Negrel). Molecular Genetic Approaches to Obesity (S.C. Chua and R.L. Leibel). Genetics of Obesity: Overview and Research Directions (C. Bouchard).

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Reed Graves, PhD (University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine)
Description: This is a useful new book that surveys the recent knowledge of the role that genetics plays in human obesity and the metabolic disturbances that accompany or cause the obesity.
Purpose: The purpose is twofold. First, the author brings together in one volume the recent investigations from several researchers in defining the role that genetics plays in the etiology of human obesity. Second, the author wishes to highlight the future directions of research that are the most promising. This book is especially needed now because researchers are beginning to apply the molecular biological tools that have impacted on other areas of medical research, such as colon cancer, to obesity research. Much of the focus of the book is on epidemiological studies, with only a few chapters dealing with molecular approaches.
Audience: Although targeted for researchers interested in human obesity, the book also will be useful to molecular biologists and scientists studying animal models of obesity. The contributors are all outstanding choices and leading experts in their fields.
Features: This book is well illustrated and has many useful diagrams to explain the sometimes complex interactions that play a role in the development of obesity.
Assessment: This is a very timely book that scientists, physicians, and students interested in obesity will find valuable. The important fields of study relating to obesity are concisely brought together in one volume. The references are extensive, and some of the original research in the obesity field is referenced so that students can follow the history of the field. In addition, the closing chapter by the author provides an exciting description of the future developments that can be anticipated in obesity research.

Doody's Review Service

5 Stars! from Doody

This is a useful new book that surveys the recent knowledge of the role that genetics plays in human obesity and the metabolic disturbances that accompany or cause the obesity. The purpose is twofold. First, the author brings together in one volume the recent investigations from several researchers in defining the role that genetics plays in the etiology of human obesity. Second, the author wishes to highlight the future directions of research that are the most promising. This book is especially needed now because researchers are beginning to apply the molecular biological tools that have impacted on other areas of medical research, such as colon cancer, to obesity research. Much of the focus of the book is on epidemiological studies, with only a few chapters dealing with molecular approaches. Although targeted for researchers interested in human obesity, the book also will be useful to molecular biologists and scientists studying animal models of obesity. The contributors are all outstanding choices and leading experts in their fields. This book is well illustrated and has many useful diagrams to explain the sometimes complex interactions that play a role in the development of obesity. This is a very timely book that scientists, physicians, and students interested in obesity will find valuable. The important fields of study relating to obesity are concisely brought together in one volume. The references are extensive, and some of the original research in the obesity field is referenced so that students can follow the history of the field. In addition, the closing chapter by the author provides an exciting description of the future developments that can be anticipated in obesityresearch.

Reed Graves