Overweight and obesity have quite recently become a major problem affectingmany countries worldwide. Obviously, both environmental and genetic This publication gives a comprehensive overview on the current knowledge ofthe pathophysiological mechanisms in the regulation of hunger and satiety. An insight into the important facets of symptomatology, epidemiology, etiology and the treatment of obesity and BED in adults is given and in onechapter the pros and cons of designating BED as a disorder are discussed. The interaction of biological, sociological and psychologic l factors in the development and maintaining of obesity and BED as well as treatment options both from the medical and from the psychological viewpoints are outlined. An exclusive overview on the prevalence rates, s mptomatology, course and treatment approaches of obesity and BED in child ood is presented. General physicians as well as psychologists, pediatricians and psychiatrists interested in obesity and BED in children and adults will find in this an excellent overview of the latest research.