New scientific evidence suggests that the time honoured reasons for weight gain, namely too much food and too little exercise may not be the whole story. Environmental and social factors rife in the 21st century, such as stress, allergies, insufficient sleep, overheating of homes and workplaces, and an overuse of prescription drugs may also be to blame. Furthermore, exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals, known as 'chemical calories', may be making all of us vulnerable to weight gain. Featuring scientifically reasoned advice, this book considers the obesity crisis our society is facing, and what we can do to improve our own lifestyles and the health of the country on the whole. 304pp, 126mm x 198mm, softback, 2008