Customer Reviews

Losing It: False Hopes and Fat Profits in the Diet Industry

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

She covers nearly everything, doesn't talk much about Type II diabetes, doesn't cover liposuction at all, and she DOES say that losing weight is deleterious to your health (directly negating what a previous reviewer wrote). She talks about dieting causing more fat to be layered on when it fails, but also about how dieting to lose weight actually kills the heart muscle, and can cause heart attacks (John Candy is cited). Her thing is not that it is unhealthy to "lose weight if you are meant to once you start eating healthy and exercising regularly", but that repetitively starving the body's muscles and other tissues is simply bad for your health. She says some people will stay round and plump looking even when eating normally (i.e., not overeating all the time, not undereating all the time, but eating till your satisfied and knowing when you are hungry.)

What I really liked was that she talks about the healthfulness of eating plenty of nutritious calories and getting plenty of exercise, as in "eat your veggies and then go outside and play." Seems so commonsensical, but most of us would rather wait for a pill to solve our problems and to do it fast. We would rather change to fit society than tell society to start accepting ALL sorts of bodies and types. Probably, because this is the USA, we will never get around to letting go of our puritanical viewpoints (part of which is denying the self=godlike), and we will continue to be thrown an onslaught of thin, plastic surgery girls to look at in the media. The only way we can stop feeling bad about ourselves is probably to just get over it and live our lives to the fullest.

I like what she says about living.

This book offers a refreshing change for people, especially women whose lives have been misdirected and for many ruined by the preoccupation with body image. Ms. Fraser has done an indepth research of the diet industry, examined the false claims, and explored the likelihood for permanent change after someone has lost weight by using a diet. This book promotes the idea that women should feel good about themselves and embrace their individuality. She stresses doing the best for yourself in your present self, take care of your self both physically and emotionally. I recommend that this book be read by women and girls whose lives have been misdirected by being taught that they only matter as far as what others think of how they look and not for who they are.

The book goes behind the closed doors of the diet industry and reveals what's really going on in the world of dieting. This book really is a wake-up call to all those who have fallen into the American diet trap. I was astonished at some of the tricks and gimmicks used by the diet industry! The book even gives some steps to becoming a healthy eater by relying on yourself, rather than following someone else's diet.

Fraser traces the history of what's been considered acceptable weight (surprise, it hasn't always been the Kate Moss figure), as well as debunking all those "diet gurus" out there. Goodbye Richard Simmons, Weight Watchers and Susan Powter! She presents all the negatives associated with gastic bypass (not only do they fail, but they bring about huge health problems). Finally, she offers guidelines on how to live DIET FREE! Yes, she actually promotes how to just eat normally (who's have thought?). BUY THIS BOOK, you will not regret it!

LOSING IT is simply a *must read* by anyone and everyone who has dieted or contemplated going on a diet. Fraser does all her homework, exposing the realities behind obesity research and the (financial) connections between the research and the diet industry. She also exposes the researchers and doctors who hide behind apparant "research objectivity" when in fact they are receiving funds for their research, either in grants, consultant fees, or stock options, from the diet corporations who obviously have interests in seeing only results that will support their industry and help make them money. The truth is that the diet industry is just as misleading and manipulative as the tobacco industry.

One reviewer complained that Fraser did not do "all" of her homework because she condemns all diets, and insinuates that the infamous low-carb diet may actually be healthy (I have yet to meet a dietician who will support that claim). Fraser condemns all weight-loss diets simply because none--NOT ONE--have proven effective for more than 5-10% of the people who've tried them. She also exposes the lie that Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers actually cares about their patients' health and success.

The truth is, ***weight loss programs are out there to make money, and know very well that most of their customers are repeat....

If you are looking for a book that will give you sage advice on how to eat healthy and live a healthy life, this book is not purporting to do that in any way, so you will be disappointed.

However, no matter where you are in your weight-loss desires, you absolutely *MUST* read this book before wasting yet more money on a lucrative industry designed to make people hate their bodies so they can make billions.

I've been a weight loss coach for nearly eight years and have read more books on dieting, weight loss, weight loss research, etc. than I care to admit. (I should be doing other more fun things with my time!) But this is one book that was a plesasure to read from start to finish. Anyone who has ever dieted, knows what it is to fail. Laura's extensively researched work points the finger where it belongs...with the diets, the creators of the diets, the makers of the potions and lotions, and everyone in between. Even better, as I read it, I felt as if Ms. Fraser and I were friends, her writing style is so rich with her own personal flair. This is NOT the dry reporting that you might expect on such an extensive subject, but rather a very compelling and entertaining look at the entire diet industry.

I was a bit sad to come to the end - and look forward to more from this author ... I am a fan!

If I could afford it, I would hand out copies of this book outside commercial weight-loss meetings! (Come to think of it, if I had all the money I've spent on unsuccessful weight loss attempts over the years, I COULD afford it!) This book very eloquently makes a strong case that that it's the diets, not the dieter that fail. It also debunks a lot of the more dangerous weight loss methods and drugs, as well as some of the "non"diet" diets and programs. This book is very thorough and well-researched, and is not, as some have implied, a "sour grapes" testimonial. If you're thinking that this book will tell you how to lose weight, I promise you'll be disappointed. But if you're interested in living a healthier, happier life, read it! (I especially enjoyed the anecdote about the famous "Dietista" visiting the cooking school!)

As I read this book, I just kept thinking "Wish I'd said that!" My heart breaks for the population most exploited by the diet industry: women who may be 20-40 lbs "overweight". I also feel for those people who spend their brain power, emotions and money on weight loss efforts, even though their "excess weight" may not be compromising their health. The author has a very readable writing style, and, thank God, a wonderful sense of humor. If you're toying with the idea of being a social radical and not dieting anymore, read this book!

As a fat person, I was particularly interested in this book and it did not disappoint me. The author's engaging style and thorough research draw in the reader and make this book a quick read. I was convinced after reading this book that weight loss surgery would be the absolute worst thing for me and that I should concentrate on living an active life and enjoying myself instead of going on yet another frustrating and difficult diet. There is no "quick and easy answer" to weight loss, which is amply illustrated by this book.

Losing it is about the millions of Americans struggling with weight problems and never knowing where to turn for assistance. Laura Fraser has seen all the advertisements and tried most of the miracle cures. She's a superb researcher and she will tell you what Weight Watchers is all about. She's been there and done her homework. She starts with the history of weight consciousness in America and explores the contradictory messages of our culture and "the obesity specialists". Finally, a healthy, honest look at this industry which costs us all billions in terms of dollars and self esteem.