This volume examines the problem of the overweight individual and the metabolic syndrome from the laboratory bench to the bedside. Clearly, translating the findings we make in the laboratory to the betterment of humankind is an important mission. Areas where basic science is making important contributions to the problems associated with metabolic syndrome are illustrated in the chapters on Neuroendocrine Control of Food Intake, Current Views of the Fat Cell as an Endocrine Cell: Lipotoxicity, and Ectopic Fat and Metabolic Syndrome. For each of these, the fast-moving basic science area is opening new vistas for translation to the bedside and clinic.

"Overweight and the Metabolic Syndrome will provide an overview of topics related to obesity, including associated health risks, childhood obesity, genetics, evaluation, treatment, behavioral strategies, and successes and failures in preventing obesity.

Neuroendocrine Control of Food Intake.- Body Composition Assessment of Obesity.- Prevalence of Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome.- The Genetic Contribution to Obesity.- Etiology of Obesity: The Problem of Maintaining Energy Balance.- Current Views of the Fat Cell as an Endocrine Cell: Lipotoxicity.- Ectopic Fat and the Metabolic Syndrome.- Abdominal Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome.- The Problems of Childhood Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome.- Evaluation of the Overweight and Obese Patient.- Dietary Approaches to Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome.- Exercise as an Approach to Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome.- Behavioral Strategies for Controlling Obesity.- Obesity Prevention.- Orlistat and Sibutramine in the Management of Obesity.- A Status of Drugs on the Horizon for Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome-a Comprehensive Review 2005.- Surgical Treatment of the Overweight Patient.