This report issues a call for urgent action to combat the growing epidemic of obesity, which now affects developing and industrialized countries alike. Adopting a public health approach, the report responds to both the enormity of health problems associated with obesity and the notorious difficulty of treating this complex, multifactorial disease. With these problems in mind, the report aims to help policy-makers introduce strategies for prevention and management that have the greatest chance of success. The importance of prevention as the most sensible strategy in developing countries, where obesity coexists with undernutrition, is repeatedly emphasized. Recommended lines of action, which reflect the consensus reached by 25 leading authorities, are based on a critical review of current scientific knowledge about the causes of obesity in both individuals and populations. While all causes are considered, major attention is given to behavioural and societal changes that have increased the energy density of diets, overwhelmed sophisticated regulatory systems that control appetite and maintain energy balance, and reduced physical activity. Specific topics discussed range from the importance of fat content in the food supply as a cause of population-wide obesity, through misconceptions about obesity held by both the medical profession and the public, to strategies for dealing with the alarming prevalence of obesity in children. "... the volume is clearly written, and carries a wealth of summary information that is likely to be invaluable for anyone interested in the public health aspects of obesity and fatness, be they students, practitioner or researcher." - Journal of Biosocial Science

This volume offers a systematic approach to school consultation that differs from those that have been published previously. The authors combine the most useful and/or empirically validated principles from mental health and behavioral consultation with practices shown to be effective in contemporary consultation research (i.e. behavior analysis, social influence, and implementation support). This second edition also includes expanded coverage on a wide range of topics.

This is the report of the consultation on Aquaculture for Sustainable Rural Development jointly organised by FAO and NACA in Chiang Rai, Thailand on 29-31 March 1999 to develop the detailed structure of a regional programme on aquaculture for sustainable rural development and propose a strategy for its implementation. The consultation took an overview of the relevant information emerging form presentations of country reports; lessons learned by specific projects; experiences of regional and international organizations and donor agencies; and findings of expert reviews. More sharply focused examination of critical issues, and discussions on specific components of the draft Programme concept were followed through parallel working group (WG) discussions.

Volume II clarifies the concept of process consultation as a viable model of how to work with human systems as defined in the previous volume, Process Consultation: Its Role in Organization Development (19 69), and introduces modifications and new ideas that elaborate on and have evolved beyond the material in the first volume.

The consultation reviewed an FAO guide for identifying, assessing and reporting on subsidies. It recommended that FAO support Members in undertaking studies based on the guide. The experts considered it important that available methodologies be used to assess impacts flowing from actions taken by recipients of subsidies on environment, trade, economic growth and social conditions.