The need to better understand the causes and consequences of obesity, and how to prevent and treat it, has become urgent worldwide. In a Chats in the Stacks book talk at Mann Library, John Cawley discusses his new book, "The Social Science of Obesity," highlighting insights from the specific approaches that each social science discipline uses to model human behavior, including diet and physical activity. Each of the chapters in the volume synthesizes the research findings on specific causes of obesity—including advertising, food prices, and peer effects—and consequences of obesity, such as lower wages, job absenteeism, and discrimination. The book also reviews the literature on obesity treatment and prevention, and provides researchers with important practical information on data and methods. Presenting a comprehensive survey of obesity-related research across the full range of social sciences, from anthropology to economics and psychology to government, Dr. Cawley’s book is a critical reference for public health officials, policymakers, nutritionists, and medical practitioners.