This book on smoking and obesity was based on a project H Krueger and Associates Inc. completed for the BC Healthy Living Alliance. Despite significant progress due to public health campaigns and other policy efforts, smoking continues to be a serious health threat throughout the world. In addition, sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, and obesity continue to be major causes of chronic diseases.
The Health Impact of Smoking and Obesity and What to Do About It
Krueger H, Williams D, Kaminsky B, McLean D. 2007. Toronto, Ontario. University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division.
Health Policy that Inspires Change
The Health Impact of Smoking and Obesity and What to Do about It synthesizes a vast quantity of recent data on the benefits and cost-effectiveness of both clinical and public health interventions in addressing the risk factors of smoking and obesity.
The authors provide a summary of interventions of proven effectiveness. Their comprehensive overview recognizes the vital lessons learned from the experience of tobacco control over the past forty years. They also integrate the current state of the evidence for obesity control.
Comprehensive Health Policy
What should we do about smoking and obesity? This book stresses the importance of comprehensive strategies that deal with both individual behaviour changes and the need to encourage social contexts that enhance healthy choices and lifestyles.
A large proportion of chronic disease is preventable. The Health Impact of Smoking and Obesity and What to Do about It provides solid evidence and practical advice to health care planners, decision-makers, and front line providers alike.
Book Review
The New England Journal of Medicine
N Engl J Med 2007; 357:2525-2526 Dec 13, 2007 DOI: 10.1056/NEJMbkrev58752
The authors, who are enthusiastic health advocates, are scrupulous in their assessments of the magnitude of risk factors and the effectiveness of intervention. Their discussion on the ongoing disagreements over the impact on health of moderate levels of excess weight (i.e. "overweight") is one of the most balanced and informed that I have seen.
David F Williamson
Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University
Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University