Turn Off the Fat Genes: The Revolutionary Guide to Taking Charge of the Genes That Control Your Weight [Hardcover]

Neal Barnard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 13, 2001

Breakthrough genetic research indicates that genes are not just onoff switches for characteristics we can't control (like gender or eye color). Some genes, including those that shape our bodies, actually adapt to outside influences. In Turn Off the Fat Genes, Dr. Neal Barnard draws on this cutting-edge research to create a revolutionary new program for activating thin genes and suppressing fat genes, a dramatic tool for sculpting away excess pounds to reveal the healthy, vital body that nature intended.

In Turn Off the Fat Genes, Dr. Barnard begins by explaining the dynamics of nutrition and its impact on genetics. Once you understand how the genes that control your shape can be influenced, the next step is positive intervention. The heart of Dr. Barnard's book is a three-week gene-control program (complete with menus and recipes) specifically designed to influence the five key genes that determine: (1) which foods you prefer, (2) the strength of your appetite, (3) whether your calories are burned or stored as fat, (4) how fast you burn calories, and (5) your muscular type and ability to exercise. Dr. Barnard's program enables all of us to enjoy the same virtually effortless weight control as the naturally thin people we have always admired.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

All of us have both "fat genes" that encourage weight gain and "thin genes" that tame the appetite, block fat storage, and increase metabolism, writes Neal Barnard, M.D., a clinical researcher in preventive medicine and president of the Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine. According to Barnard, scientific research reveals that "genes are not dictators; they are committees" when it comes to weight loss. His goal here is to teach you how to turn on the "thin genes" and turn off the "fat genes," using food, exercise, and other strategies.

Barnard introduces five key genetic influences on weight loss--all of which can be affected by diet:

• Taste genes that determine which foods attract you
  
• Leptin, the gene that tames appetite when it's working right, and leads to overeating when it's not
  
• LPL, the enzyme storing fat in your cells
  
• Insulin, which can stimulate your fat burning or turn it off
  
• A gene for muscle-cell types that influences whether exercise is easy for you
  

Part 1 explains how each of these genetic influences works, how to figure out if and how much it affects you, and how to counter it. For example, you can boost a sluggish calorie burn with aerobic exercise and plant foods high in complex carbs and fiber. Part 2 argues the benefits of a "diet makeover" consisting of a vegan (pure vegetarian, no animal products), low-fat diet emphasizing whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits.

Part 3 offers menus and dozens of recipes from Jennifer Raymond. In case you think that eliminating meat and dairy would leave nothing substantial on your plate, you'll be pleasantly surprised by her varied, innovative, and satisfying recipes. For example, try Breakfast Sweet Potato Pudding, made with oats and soy milk; Breakfast Scramble, made with polenta, spinach, and mushrooms; Oatmeal Waffles; the Garbanzo Salad Sandwich; Tofu, Lettuce, and Tomato Sandwich; Portobello and Red Pepper Wrap; Zucchini Corn Fritters; and Lasagna Roll-ups. --Joan Price

From Publishers Weekly

Five key genes influence an individual's tastes and appetite, affect the body's tendency to store fat, adjust calorie-burning ability and determine response to exercise, explains Barnard (Foods that Fight Pain; etc.), a physician and genetic researcher; however, he argues, we can manipulate our fat genes and our thin genes (yes, everyone has both!) by implementing diet and lifestyle changes. Instead of a low-calorie diet, which he predicts will lead to later bingeing, he emphasizes a diet high in fiber (whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits). Moreover, Barnard claims, carbohydrates are not the enemy we think they are; instead, it's the butter, sour cream, oils or other fats people slather them with that are the problem. In a nutshell, it's not how much but what we eat that makes the real difference. To wit, he eschews animal products, including dairy, because of their fat content, and opts for a vegetarian diet to maintain both good health and proper weight. Putting his theory to the test, Barnard closes his compassionate, clearly written and well-argued book with a three-week "gene-control program" that features enticing menus and recipes. (Feb.) Forecast: Barnard's name and fat-fighting program is about to burst onto the national stageAalongside the likes of Dr. Atkins and Barry SearsAwith a 33-city tour and major TV and radio publicity. Although many readers may prefer a non-vegetarian diet, Barnard's distinctive marketing advantageAhis unique insight into how we can control certain genesAoffers something no other diet book does.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 350 pages
• Publisher: Harmony; 1 edition (February 13, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 060960631X
• ISBN-13: 978-0609606315
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.3 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,190,148 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Neal Barnard, M.D., is the president and founder of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. His research has been published in Scientific American, the American Journal of Cardiology and other major journals. Dr. Barnard is the author of six previous books, including Foods that Fight Pain and Food for Life. A frequent lecturer appearing across the country and an adjunct professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine, he lives in Washington, D.C.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book really works!, February 16, 2001

By 

"esquivel" (Oak Ridge, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Turn Off the Fat Genes: The Revolutionary Guide to Taking Charge of the Genes That Control Your Weight (Hardcover)

Many people are concerned about their weight. They struggle each day with fad diets, which sometimes become as severe as eating disorders. This book teaches you how even if you think you're genetically pre-disposed to being overweight, by eating the proper foods you can stay slim and also reduce your risk of certain diseases. The recipes at the end of the book allow the reader to put the ideas into practice. I highly recommend this book if you're tired of dieting and want some real answers! It's another great book by an author whose books I have really enjoyed in the past.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Healthiest Way to Lose Weight, March 15, 2001

By 

Jamie Thomas - See all my reviews

This review is from: Turn Off the Fat Genes: The Revolutionary Guide to Taking Charge of the Genes That Control Your Weight (Hardcover)

I just completed the three-week gene makeover program recommended by Dr. Barnard in his new book, "Turn Off the Fat Genes," and I'm ecstatic. Not only did I lose six pounds (while enjoying some delicious new recipes), but I feel less tired than I have in years.

I heard about Dr. Barnard from my mother who went vegan after reading Dr. Barnard's last book, "Foods that Fight Pain." My mom, who has suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for most of the last decade, has found incredible relief by getting off dairy.

I also had the good fortune of hearing Dr. Barnard speak in Cincinnati earlier this month. He is a fantastic public speaker. If you have the chance to see him in your home town, don't miss it.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about nutrition and weight control.

Cincinnati, OH, USA

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!, March 15, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Turn Off the Fat Genes: The Revolutionary Guide to Taking Charge of the Genes That Control Your Weight (Hardcover)

When I read this book, I was a lacto-ova vegetarian and had just hit a wall and had not been able to lose some excess weight, no matter what I tried. I have been following the book's suggestions and have never felt better. I already started shedding some pounds. And I don't even miss the dairy that I have cut out of my diet. It's fantastic! I am buying it for my mom.