Synopses & Reviews
Review
Finally a book that sheds some light on understanding body fat—specifically its role why it is so difficult to fight and how it works differently for different people. This debut book by biochemist Tara takes a hot topic and explores every avenue regarding the causes of obesity: genetics microbes lifestyle race gender and so on. Although an incredible 60 billion was spent in the U.S. in 2014 battling fat Tara posits that fat is actually a critical organ with an essential role to play in the endocrine system. She frankly describes her own struggles with weight which led her to realize “we are not all created equal at least when it comes to fat.” Peppered with individual case studies the book meticulously explains why fat isn’t “one size fits all” particularly in terms of dieting. Tara recommends persistence as the main tool for dieters combined with a diet “customized for you biologically psychologically and socially.” This genuinely enlightening book will be a revelation to those engulfed in self blame and shame about their weight. Hopefully individualized weight loss will become the way of the future leading to effective new treatments for those desperately seeking them. (Dec.)" Publishers Weekly Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved."
Synopsis
Fat is an obsession, a dirty word, a subject of national handwringing--and, according to biochemist Sylvia Tara, the least-understood part of our body.
You may not love your fat, but your body certainly does. In fact, your body is actually endowed with many self-defense measures to hold on to fat. For example, fat can use stem cells to regenerate; increase our appetite if it feels threatened; and use bacteria, genetics, and viruses to expand itself. The secret to losing twenty pounds? You have to work with your fat, not against it. Tara explains how your fat influences your appetite and willpower, how it defends itself when attacked, and why it grows back so quickly. The Secret Life of Fat brings cutting-edge research together with historical perspectives to reveal fat's true identity: an endocrine organ that, in the right amount, is critical to our health. Fat triggers puberty, enables our reproductive and immune systems, and even affects brain size.
Although we spend $60 billion annually fighting fat, our efforts are often misinformed and misdirected. Tara expertly illustrates the complex role that genetics, hormones, diet, exercise, and history play in our weight, and The Secret Life of Fat sets you on the path to beat the bulge once and for all.