Book excerpt: The Metabolic Syndrome is a valuable reference text, covering all aspects of the metabolic syndrome and its constituent diseases including inflammation, oxidation and adipocytokines. This book explains the aetiology, pathogenesis and clinical treatment of all risk factors as well as the relationship with diabetes, non alcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome and coronary heart disease. The Metabolic Syndrome has been further improved from the 1st edition that was highly commended in 2006 Annual British Medical Association medical books competition. All chapters from the first edition are fully updated and this new edition contains an increase in international contributions and five new chapters on: Childhood obesity and metabolic syndrome Bariatric surgery for obesity Fitness Brain insulin resistance and appetite The nature of the insulin resistance seen in metabolic syndrome. This brand new edition of The Metabolic Syndrome will be an indispensable resource for all clinical researchers, physicians and scientists requiring detailed up-to-date information on the metabolic syndrome to further their own research or to treat and manage the syndrome and its complications. Specifically, the text will be of particular relevance to those involved and working in the fields of diabetes, endocrinology, obesity, cardiology, vascular disease and hepatology.