Adipose Tissue and Adipokines in Health and Disease presents a comprehensive survey of adipose tissue, its physiological functions, and its role in disease. This volume spans the entire range of adipose tissue studies, from basic anatomical and physiological research to epidemiology and clinical studies. The authors-distinguished researchers, clinicians and epidemiologists-have incorporated groundbreaking recent studies into traditional models of adipose tissue properties. Chapters on well-known properties of adipokines leptin and adiponectin are complemented by an introduction to a novel view of adipose tissue as a dynamic organ that regulates systemic substrate availability and metabolism, along with a variety of other discrete functions. This novel concept is expanded as the role of adipose tissue in maintaining body homeostasis and the modulation of inflammatory and metabolic responses is discussed. Worldwide trends in obesity are discussed from an evolutionary perspective and causes of the current obesity epidemic are postulated. Additionally, researchers and clinicians examine the association and potential role of adipose tissue in disease mediation and offer epidemiological evidence. This volume concludes with a thoughtful and innovative discussion of various approaches to inducing and sustaining weight loss in obese patients and the health effects of such treatments. Adipose Tissue and Adipokines in Health and Disease provides a broad and substantial foundation for understanding new developments in adipose tissue biology and successfully integrating them into new research endeavors.