The Encyclopedia of Obesity and Eating Disorders - Hardcover

After a brief introduction tracing the history of eating patterns and beauty ideals from ancient to modern times, the encyclopedia offers alphabetically arranged entries ranging in length from one paragraph to several pages. Entries include medical and psychological terms (Anorexia Nervosa, Zinc Deficiency), people associated with eating disorders (Hilde Bruch, Karen Carpenter), weight-control methods (Fad Diets, Liquid Formulas), organizations (BASH--Bulimia/Anorexia Self-Help, NAAFA--National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance), and historical and social topics (Fasting Girls, Fraudulent Products). Entries on topics associated with eating disorders also appear: Athletes, Ballet Dancers, Kleptomania. Most entries include bibliographies to facilitate access to related material. Words used within articles that also have their own entries appear in small capitals.

Five appendixes provide further information. These include a chronology of the study of eating disorders from 1873 to 1990; assorted tables such as the Metropolitan height and weight tables for men and women; symptoms, diagnostic criteria, behavior patterns, and tips for handling patients with eating disorders; centers and weight loss camps with addresses and telephone numbers; and audiovisual materials with ordering information and brief annotations. An extensive bibliography of professional and popular books and articles dating from the late 1970s to the 1990s completes the book.

The Encyclopedia of Obesity and Eating Disorders offers a broad overview of a complex subject in a way that is readily accessible to lay readers. It provides brief answers for ready-reference purposes and serves as a starting point for further research. It is an excellent addition to public, academic, and health-science collections.