A Leaner America
Private Choices & Public Policies
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About the Book
Obesity is a Societal Concern
Why We Must Focus on Prevention and Less on DietsOur nation faces a starling epidemic--the dramatic growth of overweight and obesity. In the last two decades the percentage of the population that is obese has doubled. The accelerated growth in obesity among children is particularly troubling.
Diets don´t work for most people. Amidst the clamor for easy answers to weight, the very serious consequences for health are often overlooked. Americans are dying from obesity-related diseases that are preventable. Obesity-related costs are also rising dramatically.
Author Kent M. Weeks argues that we need to reframe the public agenda to focus on the health benefits of maintaining healthy weight and on the prevention of weight gain. Moreover, we need to focus on children. He carefully examines the causes of this starling epidemic and zeroes in on the efforts that are need to address the problem:
Behind the statistics are human faces. The book contains an interview of Stanley, who weights 300 pounds and has lost around l,000 pounds in a series of dieting attempts. The sixty year-old candidly shares his concerns and difficulties in managing his weight. Stanley is everyone who has experienced lifelong dieting and weight gain.
Weeks sees hopeful signs in all of these areas. He has broad experience as an attorney, professor, writer and lecturer--both nationally and internationally. Weeks has a deep commitment to children; he has devoted several years to researching, interviewing, consulting, writing, and reflecting about obesity and its implications.
About the Author
Kent M. Weeks is the senior attorney with a Nashville, Tennessee law firm. A Fulbright scholar, Weeks earned a law degree from Duke University and a Ph.D. in political science from Case Western Reserve University. Weeks has broad experience as an attorney, professor, writer and lecturer—both nationally and internationally. He has been recognized for his excellence in teaching. His professional association has recently named him as a Fellow in recognition of exceptional scholarship and service on behalf of colleges and universities. An avid hiker, cyclist and scuba diver, Weeks also has a deep and abiding commitment to children. He served as the first elected chairman of the Nashville School Board and has also served on many other civic boards.