The isolation of leptin in 1994 and its characterization as a factor influencing appetite, energy balance, and adiposity, immediately thrust the polypeptide into the rapidly growing body of literature centered on the physiology of obesity. The growing clinical awareness of obesity as a major health risk in developed societies dovetailed perfectly with any of a number of roles that leptin might play in this abenant physiological condition. Almost unnoticed amidst the excitement generated by early leptin publications was the suggestion that the "fat hormone" might also regulate a wide range of systems and events important to reproduction, including pubertal development, gonadal endocrinology, fettility, and pregnancy. Recognizing this potential, a relatively small cadre of researchers began to examine leptin specifically as a reproductive hormone, thus creating a new and fertile field of investigation. Interest in this area has since gained momentum and an increased number of participants have now made significant contributions to our understanding of many leptin-related mechanisms that are relevant to reproductive biology. Leptin and Reproduction is the first major volume to specifically address leptin as a reproductive hormone and closely examines the advances made in the short time since this field of interest developed. Preeminent researchers ti'om many of the subdisciplines working within this area present a welcomed compendium of the wealth of related literature and voice novel interpretations of cun'ent advances.

Obesity and Gynecology, Second Edition, presents updated chapters on a variety of topics, ranging from adolescent obesity, contraception, assisted reproduction and sexual dysfunction, to bariatric surgery and improving semen parameters. The prevalence of obesity in men and women continues to dramatically increase around the world. Obesity presents specific challenges in relation to male and female infertility and general gynecology. Patients who are obese require specific considerations and knowledge. Presents an essential reference on the significant risks of obesity related to contraception, male and female infertility, and general gynecology Builds foundational knowledge, showing how obesity relates to general gynecology, including menstrual disorders, breasts cancer, menopause and sexual dysfunction Assembles critically evaluated chapters that focus on obesity and gynecology to meet the practical needs of gynecologists, endocrinologists and general practitioners

As women of childbearing age have become heavier, the trade-off between maternal and child health created by variation in gestational weight gain has become more difficult to reconcile. Weight Gain During Pregnancy responds to the need for a reexamination of the 1990 Institute of Medicine guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy. It builds on the conceptual framework that underscored the 1990 weight gain guidelines and addresses the need to update them through a comprehensive review of the literature and independent analyses of existing databases. The book explores relationships between weight gain during pregnancy and a variety of factors (e.g., the mother's weight and height before pregnancy) and places this in the context of the health of the infant and the mother, presenting specific, updated target ranges for weight gain during pregnancy and guidelines for proper measurement. New features of this book include a specific range of recommended gain for obese women. Weight Gain During Pregnancy is intended to assist practitioners who care for women of childbearing age, policy makers, educators, researchers, and the pregnant women themselves to understand the role of gestational weight gain and to provide them with the tools needed to promote optimal pregnancy outcomes.

Obesity is a continuing issue around the world and in many contexts. The growing number of obese people is an increasing concern for those in the medical profession, and obesity can pose specific challenges in relation to fertility and pregnancy. Patients who are obese require specific considerations and knowledge. Bringing together experts from a variety of specialties to examine the issues and challenges of obesity, this book discusses how obesity affects fertility, reproduction, and pregnancy. Beginning with an exploration of the epidemiology of obesity, further chapters focus on specific issues related to obesity and both male and female reproduction, the complications of obesity during pregnancy and labour, and the long term effects of obesity. This is the most comprehensive resource to examine the topic of obesity and reproductive issues, making it invaluable for medical students, professionals, and researchers in public policy and medicine. Comprehensive examination of fertility issues arising from male and female obesity Clinical knowledge and expertise given to the subjects In-depth examination through 47 chapters of a growing, but often overlooked, issue in fertility and pregnancy

Obesity and Obstetrics, Second Edition, brings together experts to examine the issues and challenges of obesity and obstetrics, also discussing how obesity affects fertility, reproduction and pregnancy. Beginning with the worldwide epidemic of obesity, chapters then go on to review obesity and hyperglycemia of pregnancy, management of labor, interventions to improve care during pregnancy, and long-term impact of maternal obesity. Provides an essential reference on the significant risk of complications during pregnancy, including early pregnancy loss, recurrent miscarriage and fetal developmental abnormalities Builds foundational knowledge on how maternal obesity predisposes offspring to obesity, highlighting that the prevention of childhood obesity begins during pregnancy Assembles critically evaluated chapters focused on obesity and obstetrics to meet the practical needs of obstetricians, endocrinologists and general practitioners

Handbook of Fertility: Nutrition, Diet, Lifestyle and Reproductive Health focuses on the ways in which food, dietary supplements, and toxic agents, including alcohol and nicotine affect the reproductive health of both women and men. Researchers in nutrition, diet, epidemiology, and endocrinology will find this comprehensive resource invaluable in their long-term goal of understanding and improving reproductive health. This book brings together a broad range of experts researching the different aspects of foods and dietary supplements that promote or detract from reproductive health. Section One contains several overview chapters on fertility, how it is assessed, and how it can be affected by different metabolic states, nutritional habits, dietary supplements, the action of antioxidants, and lifestyle choices. Sections Two and Three consider how male and female fertility are affected by obesity, metabolic syndrome, hormonal imbalance, and even bariatric surgery. Section Four explores the ways diet, nutrition, and lifestyle support or retard the success of in vitro fertilization, while Section Five explores how alcohol and other drugs of abuse lower fertility in both women and men. Explores how alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs of abuse disrupt and impair reproductive health Reviews studies of common conditions such as obesity and metabolic syndrome and their effect on fertility and reproductive health Investigates the components of foods and dietary supplements, in particular oxidative stress and antioxidants Presents the nutritional effects of foods and dietary supplements and their benefits and risks relating to reproductive health

Global Health Complications of Obesity presents a valuable resource for research scientists and clinicians by covering the burden of obesity and related diseases and serving as a starting point for in-depth discussions in academic settings and for obesity-treatment specialists. Obesity is associated with a statistically higher risk of heart disease, hypertension, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and many other diseases. This succinct resource focuses on the current data, research and management of obesity. It is essential reading for healthcare professionals, endocrinologists, nutritionists, public health students and medical students. Presents clinical cases, key terms and targeted references Addresses diseases including diabetes, cancer, hypertension, osteoarthritis, fatty liver disease, infertility, renal failure and depression Provides a link to new knowledge that is ideal for both researchers and clinicians