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Liked It “Although I have read that Gina Kolata is a bit controversial when it comes to science writing (think tunnel vision), I do believe that she has put a lot of good evidence out to support the basic premise, which is something that we all know: diets don't work. What I do find myself wanting is the...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“Although I have read that Gina Kolata is a bit controversial when it comes to science writing (think tunnel vision), I do believe that she has put a lot of good evidence out to support the basic premise, which is something that we all know: diets don't work. What I do find myself wanting is the rest of the story; if we can't, and even don't need, to diet down to thinness--where do we go from here in a society that still believes that thin is the ultimate, where fat people get lower-paying jobs, worse healthcare, and fewer opportunities? Gina Kolata has left me with more questions than answers, I'm afraid; but, I'd recommend this book to anybody, especially if you struggle with weight.”
Suze wrote this review Saturday, August 8 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Why is there always a new diet fad?
lloyd333 wrote this review Monday, September 22 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
This book helps you understand and gives you an interesting history of diet fads. What seems to be new is likely an old diet given a new name.
This is not a how-to-diet book but by reading some of the scientific studies you gain an understanding of how our bodies react to calorie reduction.
We have all been told that you must both reduce calories and exercise to be successful. But you will understand why this combination is so critical to your success.
We may be genetically pre-wired for the weight that we naturally gravitate towards. If your "thermostat" is set high it doesn't mean you are doomed to be heavier. Just forces those people to work harder to maintain a lower weight.”
“A scientific and cultural examination of body weight, and why some of us are fatter than others. The author sites scientific literature disputing the role of "willpower" in losing weight and maintaining a weight loss and determines, based on scientific studies, that a person's weight is determined by genetics, same as height. ”
Julie wrote this review Wednesday, August 13 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Great non-fiction book! Put me through a range of emotions while reading. A few shocking relevations too.”
Veronica wrote this review Thursday, July 17 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Very thought-provoking book that puts the whole weight-loss industry in context. Basically her thesis is that weight is destiny for most people -- at least, within a 10- to 30-pound range. The brain can be rewired to change that range, but no one knows how just yet. Accessible science writing at its best.”
trish4278 wrote this review Sunday, June 1 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Gina Kolata is very smart and an excellent writer. The history of dieting is reviewed along with it's dismal success rate. Kolata is appropriately cynical about the corrupting influence of the diet industry and the bogus "scientists" who can't be pulled away from the feed trough. It's not very optimistic if you are overweight but our only hope is to confront reality if we are to change our fat ways. My only disappointment was that she paid short shrift to the surgical options. Maybe that will be a follow-up book.”
Andy H wrote this review Friday, December 28 2007. ( reply | view 1 replies | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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