The obesity epidemic reflects a failure to understand how meals are chosen. Government initiatives have failed, and most people are unable to control their weight. In this book, an internationally recognized expert on diet and behaviour, discusses the common misunderstandings that have created the epidemic, and suggests how obesity could be reduced.

After dieting the body needs fewer calories and you are likely to put on weight. Many people do not understand how to control their weight and rely on ideas that are simply wrong. Natural foods are seen as healthier when they are not. Ultra-processed foods are seen as a problem when the method of production is unimportant. There is little evidence that removing sugar from the diet, banning advertising to children, adding calories to menus, or providing nutritional information on packaging reduces obesity. In fact, removing fat from the diethas increased obesity.

One conclusion is that current approaches have no chance of preventing obesity. Without new ways of dealing with obesity, it will inevitably increase, reducing life expectancy after decades of disease.

So, what needs to change? One root cause of obesity is poverty. The way infants are fed in the first years of life determines the likelihood of obesity in adulthood. Without the development of low-calorie foods, little can be done. Since health policy depends on individuals changing their behaviour, they need to understand how to control their weight.

Ambitious in scope, the author deals with the topic in an eye-catching and easy to understand manner, illustrated with colourful analogies and unusual and amusing facts. A refreshing novel perspective is offered that will be of interest to everyone wishing to control their body weight.

David Benton, PhD, DSc, is Professor of Psychology at Swansea University, UK. His interest in the influence of diet on brain functioning and cognition, has resulted in over 200 research articles and an H Index of 55 (Scopus).

The acceptance of over 200 invitations to speak on six continents and the widespread interest from multi-national food and ingredient companies, illustrates his impact. His work is quoted by the governments in the USA and UK when making public health recommendations. Invitations have been accepted to give evidence to the House of Commons and House of Lords in the UK.

The theme of the proposed book is that obesity cannot be understood without the perspectives of nutrition, physiology, biochemistry, psychology as well a societal viewpoint. His research reflects this range and has included papers on portion size, genetics, food addiction, sugar addition and non-nutritive sweeteners. A paper on calorie intake and the control of weight has been downloaded 35,000 times.