Thinking outside the box to beat obesity

It may not be the chips that make a couch potato, nor even the couch. It may be the box in the corner of the room. New Zealand scientists report today that children who watch more television are more likely to become obese. By Tim Radford.

My mother, the anorexic

As Judith Joseph was starving herself to death, she was force-feeding her daughter into obesity. Ruth Joseph on a childhood blighted by her mother's eating disorder.

The dark side of nips and tucks

I'm thin therefore I am? As Britain's obesity rates soar, thousands are going under the surgeon's knife to lose weight. But many have been surprised to find that surgery is no short cut to happiness and self-esteem, says Rachel Cooke.