The evolution of mammalian adipose tissue -- Adipocyte precursors: Developmental origins, self-renewal and plasticity -- Adipocyte differentiation -- Brown adipose tissue -- White adipose tissue -- Browning of white adipose tissue in humans: functional/clinical relevance -- Macrophages and inflammation -- Gender differences in adiposity -- Brown adipose tissue as a therapeutic target -- Dietary determinants of fat mass and body composition -- Genetic determinants of excess adiposity -- Early origins of obesity and developmental regulation of adiposity. .

The past decade has seen an exponential increase in our knowledge and understanding of adipose tissue biology. This has coincided with the continued rise in obesity across all generations. Clearly despite substantial advances in research into adipose tissue this still has had limited impact on the on-going obesity epidemic across a majority of countries in the world. This book brings together many leading experts in the field to provide an up to date and comprehensive review of the key aspects of adipose tissue. It therefore includes chapters on evolution, development and inflammation together with a detailed review of brown and beige adipose tissue biology and their potential significance in preventing or combating obesity. These chapters are complemented by those on genetics and gender influences, together with nutrition through the life cycle. Ultimately the book provides an overview of the complexities of adipose tissue biology and the continuing challenge to combat obesity in the 21st century.