Terry Maguire and David Haslam. The Obesity Epidemic and its Management. Pharmaceutical Press: London. 2010. 264 pp, $49.99. ISBN-978-0-85369-786-2
The authors of The Obesity Epidemic and its Management have been trained within European countries and many of their practical experiences have been pan-European. Dr. Terry Maquire is recognized as a pioneer of pharmacy services within the United Kingdom. Dr. David Haslam is a physician with special interests in cardiometabolic disease states, and obesity. Dr. Haslam has been an instrumental colleague in the development of primary care adult obesity guidelines and the first ever childhood obesity guidelines with Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health. 
 
Obesity has become a visible public health concern. Many health care and community partners have identified the need to address this condition to reduce the risk of co-morbid consequences that may arise due to obesity. This book provides an overview about obesity in its social and science arena with the pharmacist identified as the target audience. It is divided into 3 parts and has 14 chapters. Part 1 highlights causes of obesity, its consequences, and the associated cost. The remaining portion of the book focuses on management interventions. Discussion of public health campaigns that have been accepted and practiced (mainly in the United Kingdom); ways to provide behavioral management through cognitive behavior therapy and motivational intervention; and pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies are included. Some of the more interesting sections identify programs that were conducted within community pharmacies throughout the United Kingdom. Baseline program methods and results are presented, which may allow pharmacists to use this reference as a resource if interested in program development. Chapter 8 discusses the behavioral interventions and a “nutshell” approach on how to use motivational interviewing techniques when working with patients to allow empowerment and ownership of this chronic debilitating condition. Pharmacological and surgical interventions are discussed in Chapters 11 and 12; however, these chapters do not provide great depth into the content material. 
 
Due to the geographical training and areas of expertise of the authors, this book would be conducive to use as a reference providing introductory information about the topic of obesity. Although much of the information throughout this book was specific to European countries, it did provide insight about how America could model community pharmacists and pharmacies as key players in preventive health.