Overview

An experimental pathologist and molecular genetieist, Philip Wood uses gene-knockout technology to study the way mouse genes regulate the metabolism of fat - research that provides insights into the workings of fatty-acid metabolism in humans and what can happen when that metabolic balance goes awry. Based on the classes he regularly teaches to first- and second-year medical students, Wood's book reviews the individual and public health burden of obesity and clarifies often-used, but often inadequately explained, terms employed in the continuing cultural and scientific debate about excess fat. He explains the role of fat in the healthy body, how fat is made, stored and burned, and demonstrates how excess fat can lead to an array of metabolic disorders and diseases, from hypercholesterolemia and insulin resistance to diabetes. He reviews what recent research can tell us about specific genes or groups of genes that can lead to specific metabolic disorders. He explains the science behind common weight-loss regimens and why those regimens might succeed or fail, and reviews the complex interplay of hormones, genes and stress in the way our bodies deal with fat through the life cycle. How Fat Works is a concise, clear, and up-to-date primer on the workings of fat, and essential reading for professionals entering careers in medicine and public health administration or anyone wanting a better understanding of one of our most urgent health crises.

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9780674019478

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Reviews

In How Fat Works , Philip A. Wood draws on his extensive knowledge of fatty acid metabolism to give an admirable insight into how genes, diet and exercise impact on fatty acid oxidation and synthesis, and how these processes affect us. Wood has conducted most of his own research using gene knockout models in mice: he begins with a concise summary of what we have learnt about fat metabolism by using this method, and by studying genetic disorders of obesity...Even when describing difficult biological concepts, Wood retains a lightness of touch and uses creative analogies...This is a fascinating and ambitious book, well divided into manageable chunks. It deals with an exciting and dynamic area, and it includes much cutting-edge research...The outstanding strength of this book is undoubtedly Wood's ability to describe complex metabolic processes in readable English. It will therefore be enjoyed by students, health professionals, scientists, and lay readers--all of whom may now think just a little harder before choosing what, and how much, to eat for lunch. -- Susan Carnell Times Higher Education Supplement (12/08/2006)

In How Fat Works , Philip A. Wood draws on his extensive knowledge of fatty acid metabolism to give an admirable insight into how genes, diet and exercise impact on fatty acid oxidation and synthesis, and how these processes affect us. Wood has conducted most of his own research using gene knockout models in mice: he begins with a concise summary of what we have learnt about fat metabolism by using this method, and by studying genetic disorders of obesity...Even when describing difficult biological concepts, Wood retains a lightness of touch and uses creative analogies...This is a fascinating and ambitious book, well divided into manageable chunks. It deals with an exciting and dynamic area, and it includes much cutting-edge research...The outstanding strength of this book is undoubtedly Wood's ability to describe complex metabolic processes in readable English. It will therefore be enjoyed by students, health professionals, scientists, and lay readers--all of whom may now think just

Author Information

Philip A. Wood is Director, Division of Genomics, University of Alabama at Birmingham. He holds professorships there in genetics, nutrition sciences, physiology, and biophysics.

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