Nutrition, Obesity, & Eating Disorders covers 11 conditions that are either directly caused, or affected, by the food that we eat, from allergies to ulcerative colitis, and seven conditions that are affected to varying degrees by our diet, like cancer, mental illness, and sleep disorders. This work combines valuable, easy-to-understand educational information for consumers, and patients and their families, with official guidelines about good nutrition, healthy life styles and how to prevent and treatment related conditions.

This encyclopedia is conveniently organized into three volumes. Volume 1 analyzes the nutritional value of hundreds of different foods and also includes a section of important nutrition material from the United States Department of Agriculture that includes 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, eating patterns, and a variety of healthy eating styles. Volume 2 focuses on how medical nutrition therapy (MNT) can help treat various disease states, and is a valuable resource for patients, and their families, who are struggling with illness. Volume 3 consists of an assortment of topics associated with a healthy diet, including eating breakfast, avoiding fast food, and getting enough sleep and also includes a section of articles dedicated to the nutrition requirements throughout the lifespan that address how nutritional needs change with age. Also in Volume 3 is analysis of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) by their action in the body, food sources, potential for deficiency/toxicity/medication interaction, and current research.

The goal is for this eighth edition of Magill’s Medical Guide is to provide easy access to the full range of medical and heath care concerns with ample resources for further research. The authors anticipate that readers will either have experience with one of the topics covered here, or have a loved one who has. To reach their goal, the contributors have reviewed the majority of entries from the previous edition, updated and revised many of them, and added a significant number of new topics.