New Book Describes Systemic Effects of Obesity

A new book published by the not-for-profit consumer organization American Council on Health and Science (ACHS) reportedly outlines the effects of obesity on “virtually every body system” with 17 chapters penned by medical experts in the field. Titled Obesity and its Health Effects, the report includes a preface by Daniel Stein, M.D., Albert Einstein College of Medicine, who warns that “obesity is not just a ‘cosmetic’ problem; it negatively affects almost all aspects of human health.” For example, the book claims that obesity raises the risk for (i) arthritis and other problems of the skeletal system; (ii) gallstones and pancreatitis; (iii) psoriasis, as well as bacterial and fungal skin infections; (iv) sleep apnea and adult-onset asthma; and (v) decreased fertility in both men and women. “Our purpose in compiling this summary of obesity’s health effects in one consumer-friendly book was to educate people about how obesity poses a wide variety of serious health risks,” stated ACHS President Elizabeth Whelan. See ACHS Press Release, December 2, 2008.