The Science of Long-Term Weight Loss

Chapter 1. The Origin of the Obesity Epidemic: Implications for Long-Term Weight Loss
Chapter 2. Theoretical Approaches to Obesity and Weight Loss
Chapter 3. Obesity: The Interaction of Genetics and the Environment
Chapter 4. Childhood Obesity
Chapter 5. Interventions for Childhood Obesity
Chapter 6. Interventions for Weight Loss in Adults
Chapter 7. Physical Activity and Weight Loss
Chapter 8. Eating Behavior and Disorders of Eating
Chapter 9. Long-Term Weight Loss and the Prevention of Weight Regain
Chapter 10. Environment, Public Policy, and Long-Term Weight Loss
Chapter 11. Alternative Approaches for Long-Term Weight Loss (Part I)
Chapter 12. Alternative Approaches for Long-Term Weight Loss (Part II)
Chapter 13. Developing and Refining Long-Term Weight Loss Plans for Your Clients
Appendix. Answers for Case Studies

The Science of Long-Term Weight Loss provides a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to help clients and patients achieve long-term weight loss success. Taking into consideration decades of research from experts in the field, it embraces a multidisciplinary approach and use of the complexity science approach to better understand the issues surrounding long-term weight loss.

The current obesity epidemic, which began in the 1980s and continues into the 21st century, has significantly affected the U.S. population and communities throughout the world. The Science of Long-Term Weight Loss counters the public health crisis with long-term weight loss solutions modified for individual lifestyles (rather than strategies that only offer evidence for short-term success). The text covers a broad range of topics, including food addiction, exercise resistance, night eating syndrome, emotional regulation, continuous care, problem-solving, accountability, and group support.

Throughout the text, case studies offer a glimpse into the struggles and successes involved with long-term weight loss. Putting It Into Perspective and Expert Perspective sidebars provide additional context to complex topics, and Do You Know? elements call out important information for readers. Each chapter contains objectives and summaries to aid in knowledge retention.

The Science of Long-Term Weight Loss begins by discussing the origins of the obesity epidemic and theoretical strategies to support weight loss. The authors use the complexity science approach to explain the factors that contribute to the prevalence of obesity, such as genetics and public policy. The text goes on to explore behavioral influences on body composition, such as physical activity and nutritional intake. Sustainable, long-term weight loss solutions and the prevention of weight regain are studied in depth, and societal factors such as the environment and food production are considered. Health care practitioners will find alternative approaches to weight loss that can be customized to the individual as well as practical advice to achieve client goals.

As a resource for understanding the multifaceted issues surrounding obesity and weight loss, this book will be invaluable to researchers and practitioners in fields studying or encountering obesity, including registered dietitians and nutritionists, as well as fitness and health professionals working with clients or patients who need long-term strategies for weight management.

Timothy G. Lohman, PhD, is a professor emeritus at the University of Arizona and serves as the president of the Global Health and Body Composition Institute. He previously served as the director of the Center for Physical Activity and Nutrition at the University of Arizona. He is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine and a leading scientist in the field of body composition assessment.

Lohman is a coeditor of both ACSM's Body Composition Assessment and Human Body Composition, Second Edition. He is a reviewer of several journals, including Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, International Journal of Sports Nutrition, International Journal of Obesity, and Obesity Research.

Lohman has spent the last 15 years researching and writing about long-term weight loss to improve understanding of the obesity epidemic and develop better long-term solutions to weight loss.

Laurie A. Milliken, PhD, FACSM, is an associate professor in the exercise and health sciences department at the University of Massachusetts Boston. She is a coeditor of ACSM's Body Composition Assessment and CEO of the Global Health and Body Composition Institute. She has served as a peer reviewer for leading scientific journals such as Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, Journal of Applied Physiology, and European Journal of Applied Physiology.

In the New England chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Milliken has served as the president, an executive committee member, the chair of the Continuing Education Committee, the chair of the Diversity Committee, and a state representative. In addition to being a fellow of the ACSM, she has served on the ACSM Research Awards Committee and as an editorial board member of ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal.

She has researched physical activity and strength training among children and families and is currently interested in body composition changes in response to long-term exercise interventions.