Our nation faces a startling epidemic—the dramatic growth in the number of adults and children who are overweight or obese.

A Leaner America: Private Choices & Public Policies, written by Kent M. Weeks, analyzes the problem of obesity and the grim long-term societal impact that is inevitable if Americans continue to pack on the pounds.

Weeks focuses on the coordinated efforts that will be required to address obesity that involve both personal choices and public policies. These include:

• Encouraging the marketplace to provide more healthy options 

• Supporting individuals to make wise choices about healthy eating

• Providing improved public options for exercise (i.e., sidewalks and public parks) 

• Encouraging actions by employers and health practitioners to promote healthy eating and exercise

• Changing public policies and interventions