Introduction

Obesity is a complex health problem, caused by a number of factors such as excessive food intake, lack of physical activity, genetic predisposition, endocrine disorders, medications and psychiatric illnesses. The incidence of obesity among populations in both the developing and the developed world has reached epidemic proportions. In response to this, efforts to control and treat obesity have also been vigorously pursued, ranging from activities focused on raising awareness about lifestyle changes to the discovery and development of safe and effective anti-obesity drugs. Anti-obesity Drug Discovery and Development is a book series focused on this very important area of healthcare research. Each volume presents insightful updates on pharmaceutical research and development for clinical researchers and healthcare professionals involved in obesity treatment programs.

The fourth volume of this series covers 6 reviews on anti-obesity treatment strategies including updates on obesity and cancer prevention through dietary modulation, the role of anti-obesity medications in polycystic ovary syndrome, potential anti-obesity strategies targeting mitochondria, calcium silicate based formulations for anti-obesity therapy, and the identification of obesity medications from natural products and plants.