Obesity and its linked morbidity and mortality is a significant public health challenge on a global scale and places a burden not only on the individual but also on society as a whole. This Mini-Guide presents key themes relating to this challenge, including the means of measuring obesity, the most recent prevalence and trends, the health consequences and causes of obesity along with approaches to counter obesity both at an individual and a population level. Understanding is facilitated through: Case Studies Boxed examples Thinking Points Summary Points at ends of chapters. Links to webpages, resources and further reading. The Public Health Mini-Guides provide up-to-date, evidence-based information in a convenient pocket-sized format, on a range of current key public health topics. They support the work of health and social care practitioners and students on courses related to public health and health promotion. Each volume provides an objective and balanced introduction to an overview of the epidemiological, scientific, and other factors relating to public health. The Mini-Guides are structured to provide easy access to information. The first chapters cover background information needed to quickly understand the issue, including the epidemiology, demography and physiology. The later chapters examine examples of public health action to address the issue, covering health promotion intervention, legislative and other measures. The Mini-Guides are designed to be essential reference texts for students, practitioners and researchers with a professional interest in public health and health promotion. Students will find the books useful to cover assignments and on the ward, and practitioners will love the quick-reference format for use on the ward and in giving patient advice and running clinics on these topics. There will be a title providing essential information on the priority areas of: Obesity Smoking Alcohol misuse Sexual health Mental health Diabetes Non-communicable diseases Exercise Drug misuse Health inequalities