Roy J. Shephard is Professor Emeritus of Applied Physiology in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto, Canada. He was Director of the School of Physical and Health Education (now the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education) at the University of Toronto for 12 years (1979–1991), and he served as Director of the University of Toronto Graduate Programme in Exercise Sciences from 1964 to 1985.

• Introduction 1. A Brief History of Obesity 2. The Qualitative and Quantitative Measurement of Body Fat Content3. The "obesity epidemic" and Its Correlates 4. Health Consequences of the Obesity Epidemic 5. Economic Consequences of the Obesity Epidemic 6. The Genetic Alibi 7. Adipose Tissue as an Important Body Organ 8. Physical Activity in the Prevention of Obesity9. Physical Activity in the Treatment of Established Obesity 10. Dietary Choices and the Control of Obesity 11. General Conclusions and Areas of Future Research

Roy J. Shephard is Professor Emeritus of Applied Physiology in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto, Canada. He was Director of the School of Physical and Health Education (now the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education) at the University of Toronto for 12 years (1979–1991), and he served as Director of the University of Toronto Graduate Programme in Exercise Sciences from 1964 to 1985.

• Introduction 1. A Brief History of Obesity 2. The Qualitative and Quantitative Measurement of Body Fat Content3. The "obesity epidemic" and Its Correlates 4. Health Consequences of the Obesity Epidemic 5. Economic Consequences of the Obesity Epidemic 6. The Genetic Alibi 7. Adipose Tissue as an Important Body Organ 8. Physical Activity in the Prevention of Obesity9. Physical Activity in the Treatment of Established Obesity 10. Dietary Choices and the Control of Obesity 11. General Conclusions and Areas of Future Research