The lack of balance and the failure of regulation in life has traditionally been recognized in such extreme symbolic acts as overconscientiousness or a criminal lack of conscience. This volume shows how the neurotic process affects biologic functions, distorting natural functioning. Three distinct functions and their respective extremes are discussed: eating (obesity, bulimia nervosa), sleeping (insomnia, excessive somnolence), and sex (hypersexuality including child molestation, hyposexuality including inhibited sexual desires).

The Gravity of Weight: A Clinical Guide to Weight Loss and Maintenance, by Sylvia R. Karasu, M.D., and T. Byram Karasu, M.D., is a scholarly and critical inquiry into the field of overweight and obesity. Reviewing more than 900 publications, from some of the early classical papers to the most recent research, the authors have integrated the complex psychological and physiological aspects of the mind, brain, and body to explain why the control of body weight is so daunting for so many people. Written primarily for clinicians in all health-related fields, including physicians, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and nutritionists, as well as for their intellectually curious patients, The Gravity of Weight explores the controversy regarding obesity as a disease with morbidity and mortality, as well as the complex methodological issues involved in obesity research. The authors delineate the extraordinary metabolic complexities implicated in weight control as well as the importance of circadian rhythms and sleep as they relate to weight and even disorders such as the night eating syndrome. They also investigate the psychological aspects of overweight and obesity, including discrimination against the obese and the fat acceptance movement, and they discuss some of the most common diets as well as the psychotherapeutic, pharmacological, and surgical treatment options currently available for these patients. The Gravity of Weight: A Clinical Guide to Weight Loss and Maintenance is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary text that synthesizes some of the most essential information for successful weight control: • The role of the environment, including diet, disordered eating, and portion control, in weight management • The National Weight Control Registry and the study of those successful at weight control • The importance of differentiating weight loss from weight loss maintenance • The qualitative and quantitative measurements of physical activity, including the role of exercise for maintenance of weight loss • The contribution of genetics to "the obesities" • Depression and obesity: cause or consequence? • Psychotherapeutic strategies, including cognitive behavioral therapy • Medical and surgical treatment approaches and their effectiveness Drs. Karasu have drawn from both professional and personal experience to write The Gravity of Weight: A Clinical Guide To Weight Loss and Maintenance. Both had fathers who suffered from morbid obesity. One died at the age of 56, while the other lived to be 91. The authors' professional curiosity led them to question how differences in environment, genetics, and overall physical and psychological health can affect one person's longevity and another's early passing. In searching for the answers to some of the most perplexing questions regarding weight, the authors have created what is perhaps the most comprehensive exploration of the relationship of the mind, brain, body and our environment to overweight and obesity. The resulting text deserves a prominent place in the library of those who work in this field.

Obesity and psychiatric concerns are closely linked.? This issue examine obesity and psychiatric status, and includes articles on binge eating disorder and night eating syndrome.? This issue provides guidance on the medical evaluation of the obese individual, behavioral assessment, dietary management, and behavioral treatment.? Articles on motivational interviewing, pharmacotherapy for obesity and surgical treatment of obesity give the full spectrum of treatment options.? Finally this issue examines obesity as a public health epidemic.

In one indispensable volume, this book combines a complete overview of night eating syndrome (NES) with evidence-based treatment guidelines and clinical tools. Experts in the field review the biological underpinnings of NES and its common comorbidities; explain how the basic science can inform clinical practice; and discuss issues in assessment and diagnosis. Vivid case examples are featured. Of special utility for clinicians, the book includes a manual for delivering an empirically supported cognitive-behavioral treatment protocol. Reproducible client forms can be photocopied from the book or downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size.

The lack of balance and the failure of regulation in life has traditionally been recognized in such extreme symbolic acts as overconscientiousness or a criminal lack of conscience. This volume shows how the neurotic process affects biologic functions, distorting natural functioning. Three distinct functions and their respective extremes are discussed: eating (obesity, bulimia nervosa), sleeping (insomnia, excessive somnolence), and sex (hypersexuality including child molestation, hyposexuality including inhibited sexual desires).