This new edition of a very successful textbook provides an up-to-date, broad and authoritative introduction to studying health. With chapters including biology, epidemiology, anthropology, politics and psychology, it is the only book to explore all the major disciplines and highlight how they can contribute to our understanding of health in one single volume. Comprehensive, accessible and written by leading experts in the different fields, this is the introductory text for all students of health studies. New to this Edition: - A whole new chapter on geography and health: it explores the relationship between people's health and the natural and built environments - New example features in every chapter which apply each discipline to contemporary health issues -from the increase in obesity to the impact of changing social and welfare policies- along with bullet points that highlight the latest research in the field - A complete update on both the design and layout ensures an even more navigable and enjoyable read for current students, along with new contributions from experts from across the globe