Distinguished St Cross Emeritus Fellow publishes new book

Professor Stanley Ulijaszek, St Cross College’s current Dean of Degrees has published a new book - ”Understanding Obesity” and will be celebrating with a book launch on Friday 16 February 2024 at 5:30pm at the Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology. 

Within the book Prof. Ulijaszek examines common dissatisfaction with body weight, fatness, or obesity, highlighting the mismatch between popular views and scientific knowledge. He delves into debates on obesity in public policy, medicine, and media, exploring topics like body fat, genetics, metabolism, food, inequality, blame, stigma, and physical activity. By addressing these interconnected issues, his book aims to untangle the complexities and misconceptions surrounding obesity, particularly in the wake of decades of unsuccessful policies and interventions. 

Professor Stanley Ulijaszek holds a BSc from the University of Manchester and MA degrees from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. He also earned MSc and PhD degrees from the University of London. He served as the Vice Master, Fellow from 1999 to 2022, transitioning to the role of Emeritus Fellow from 2022 at St Cross College. As a nutritional anthropologist, his research explores the evolutionary and cultural aspects of nutritional health, covering undernutrition, obesity, and related diseases. His extensive research spans countries such as India, Nepal, Sarawak, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, Poland, Italy, and Australia. Currently, he directs the Unit for Biocultural Variation and Obesity. 

Congratulations Professor Ulijaszek!