The Gravity of Weight: A Comprehensive Clinical Guide to Weight Loss and Maintenance

Authored by Sylvia R. Karasu, M.D., and T. Byram Karasu, M.D., this scholarly book delves into the complex realm of overweight and obesity, reviewing over 900 publications to provide a critical inquiry into the field.

The Challenge of Weight Control

The authors, drawing from their professional and personal experiences, explore why controlling body weight is a daunting task for many individuals. They integrate the intricate psychological and physiological aspects of the mind, brain, and body to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

A Multidisciplinary Approach

Written primarily for clinicians in various health-related fields, including physicians, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and nutritionists, as well as curious patients, this book presents a multidisciplinary approach to understanding obesity. It delves into the controversies surrounding obesity as a disease, methodological issues in research, and the metabolic complexities implicated in weight control.

Circadian Rhythms, Sleep, and Weight Management

The authors investigate the significance of circadian rhythms and sleep in weight management, including disorders such as night eating syndrome. They also examine the psychological aspects of overweight and obesity, including discrimination and the fat acceptance movement.

Treatment Options and Strategies

The book discusses various treatment options, including psychotherapeutic, pharmacological, and surgical approaches. It also explores different diets and their effectiveness in weight loss and maintenance.

Essential Factors for Successful Weight Control

The Gravity of Weight highlights the crucial role of the environment, diet, and disordered eating in weight management. It also covers the importance of differentiating weight loss from weight loss maintenance, the significance of physical activity, and the contribution of genetics to obesity.

Additionally, the book examines the relationship between depression and obesity, as well as psychotherapeutic strategies, including cognitive behavioral therapy. It also delves into medical and surgical treatment approaches and their effectiveness.

A Personal and Professional Quest

The authors, inspired by their personal experiences with their fathers’ struggles with morbid obesity, have created a comprehensive exploration of the complex relationship between the mind, brain, body, and environment in the context of overweight and obesity.

The resulting text is a valuable resource for professionals and individuals seeking a deeper understanding of this complex and multifaceted topic.