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Weight Loss Boss: How to Finally Win at Losing--and Take Charge in an Out-of-Control Food World
A frank, funny, and groundbreaking guide to surviving and thriving in an obesogenic world, from the CEO of Weight Watchers International.
We live in a dangerous food world, full of temptation and instant gratification. No wonder obesity among Americans has tripled since the 1960s—and that those prone to weight gain fail over and over to maintain their hard-won goals. Simply put, our brains and environments are stacked against us. Simplistic willpower-based and food-focused diets will never bring lasting change.
But a solution is within reach—one that will help readers live better, longer, and more happily.
In fact, David Kirchhoff isn’t just the President and CEO of Weight Watchers—he’s also one of its biggest success stories. In his pursuit of a trim physique, Kirchhoff divulges his slide into full-fledged obesity, his struggles to manage his relationship with food, and to find an exercise regimen that sticks. Drawing on the latest scientific research and numerous other inspiring personal stories, he makes the case that the only recipe for long-term success is to radically shift our mindset when thinking about obesity and adopting a healthy lifestyle that stays with us for good. This requires incorporating positive habits that become second nature, and rigorously managing one’s food environment—as well as embracing practical behavior-change tools and other sustainable maintenance strategies. In the light of a new, healthier lifestyle that helps readers look good and feel good, change isn’t a burden--it’s a release.
We live in a dangerous food world, full of temptation and instant gratification. No wonder obesity among Americans has tripled since the 1960s—and that those prone to weight gain fail over and over to maintain their hard-won goals. Simply put, our brains and environments are stacked against us. Simplistic willpower-based and food-focused diets will never bring lasting change.
But a solution is within reach—one that will help readers live better, longer, and more happily.
In fact, David Kirchhoff isn’t just the President and CEO of Weight Watchers—he’s also one of its biggest success stories. In his pursuit of a trim physique, Kirchhoff divulges his slide into full-fledged obesity, his struggles to manage his relationship with food, and to find an exercise regimen that sticks. Drawing on the latest scientific research and numerous other inspiring personal stories, he makes the case that the only recipe for long-term success is to radically shift our mindset when thinking about obesity and adopting a healthy lifestyle that stays with us for good. This requires incorporating positive habits that become second nature, and rigorously managing one’s food environment—as well as embracing practical behavior-change tools and other sustainable maintenance strategies. In the light of a new, healthier lifestyle that helps readers look good and feel good, change isn’t a burden--it’s a release.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
46 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
July 11, 2015
UPDATE July 11, 2015. Recently, I gave this book a poor review due to what I believed to be sloppy ghostwriting. However, I was wrong. The author, David Kirchhoff, just clued me in. The excerpt, which I believed was used in both this book and . I am sorry for my mistake, and am giving the book the rating I believe it deserves.
Here is my original review:
Here is my original review:
David Kirchhoff is a crackup! He's the CEO of Weight Watchers, and this book is about his journey to lose weight and maintain the loss. He's very down-to-earth, his writing voice is entertaining, and the book includes lots of helpful tips and motivating anecdotes and strategies. (I used his idea to move the ice cream out to the garage freezer, and then I buried it under a ton of stuff. If I go get it, I'll have time to think about what I'm doing as I dig it out.)
Kirchhoff is funny. For example, as he lists the rewards of eating right and exercising regularly, he says, "Truthfully, I look better as a fit guy than as my heavier self. There, I said it. I'm so vain, I probably think this book is about me..."
I'm a Lifetime member, but even though I probably lost the least weight of anybody with the right to claim that title (20 pounds), it's a constant struggle. I worry about regaining it, so this book helped me feel stronger. I am much happier at this lower weight, and I want to keep it off. It's not easy, but the cool thing about WW is that they treat it like a lifetime deal, an interesting and empowering area of self-study, like learning mindfulness, say, or meditation. There's no judgement, just a recognition that, as Kirchhoff says, "I feel better physically and mentally when I eat right and don't stuff myself, and when I am getting regular exercise." It's as simple and as hard as that.
I'm glad I read the book. I appreciated the tips and strategies, and somehow, knowing that the CEO of WW struggles just like I do is empowering. Like his strategy for dealing with the holidays? Funny! Helpful! Empowering. Even if some of the more technical areas are a little bit drier, its a good read. I recommend it even if you're not on WW.
Here is my original review:
Here is my original review:
David Kirchhoff is a crackup! He's the CEO of Weight Watchers, and this book is about his journey to lose weight and maintain the loss. He's very down-to-earth, his writing voice is entertaining, and the book includes lots of helpful tips and motivating anecdotes and strategies. (I used his idea to move the ice cream out to the garage freezer, and then I buried it under a ton of stuff. If I go get it, I'll have time to think about what I'm doing as I dig it out.)
Kirchhoff is funny. For example, as he lists the rewards of eating right and exercising regularly, he says, "Truthfully, I look better as a fit guy than as my heavier self. There, I said it. I'm so vain, I probably think this book is about me..."
I'm a Lifetime member, but even though I probably lost the least weight of anybody with the right to claim that title (20 pounds), it's a constant struggle. I worry about regaining it, so this book helped me feel stronger. I am much happier at this lower weight, and I want to keep it off. It's not easy, but the cool thing about WW is that they treat it like a lifetime deal, an interesting and empowering area of self-study, like learning mindfulness, say, or meditation. There's no judgement, just a recognition that, as Kirchhoff says, "I feel better physically and mentally when I eat right and don't stuff myself, and when I am getting regular exercise." It's as simple and as hard as that.
I'm glad I read the book. I appreciated the tips and strategies, and somehow, knowing that the CEO of WW struggles just like I do is empowering. Like his strategy for dealing with the holidays? Funny! Helpful! Empowering. Even if some of the more technical areas are a little bit drier, its a good read. I recommend it even if you're not on WW.
August 25, 2012
Wow! What a great book! I was so impressed. This was one of the best weight loss books I have read, and I have them all. Regardless of whether or not you participate in the Weight Watchers Program or not, or even ever have any intent to it does not matter. If you are weight conscious person READ THIS BOOK. Period! It is basically a common sense approach to living a healthy lifestyle and teaches healthy habits. Plus it's an easy/fun to read format and his writing is actually interested, humorous, poignant, and inspiration all at the same time. I really related to this guy. I found it so shocking that a 50 year old man and a 26 year old woman could have so much in common!!! The other thing that I think is great about this book is that there are not many books out there that focus on MAINTEINENCE. Once you have reached your "goal weight" or whatever you want to call it, how to keep yourself there in a healthy manner and this book does a great job of exploring the seemingly endless task of maintaining your ideal weight. I cannot say enough good things about this book, and I rarely rate any book 5 stars. But honestly, get this book, read it, live the lifestyle. You will not be disappointed!
May 28, 2012
I'm not a big self-help or weight loss book reader, generally. Occasionally I will pick something up but often I get bored by it. However, I will say that, in my experience, this is probably one of the best books on weight issues b/c Kirchhoff focuses on maintenance and why people tend to gain back weight they have lost. He uses humor and the Weight Watchers program to illustrate obstacles and pitfalls to keeping weight off and to demonstrate how to get and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I think you can get a lot out of this book even if you are not on Weight Watchers. But if you are expecting a "plan" on how to lose weight or a magic bullet so you can finally fit into your high school jeans, this is not the book for you. However, if you are going for a long-term strategy laid out in a straight-talking manner (ie: there is a good chance you will gain back any weight you lose but how you can up your odds for long-range success), you will find the messages found here helpful.
April 1, 2014
Kirchoff is the CEO of Weight Watchers, and while I have mixed feelings about Weight Watchers (mainly because it is for-profit, and therefore promotes some things for profit which sabotage health and weight loss, thus creating a conflict-of-interest), I loved Kirchoff's irreverent sense of humor, and his personal advice and plans are helpful, and something that anyone with weight issues can relate to.
October 16, 2012
I'm a lifetime member of WW and I saw this book in the library. The book didn't teach me anything I didn't already know but I would definitely recommend it to anyone new to WW or anyone trying to lose weight.
June 16, 2013
If you've tried Weight Watchers, or belong to Weight Watchers, there's not too much new here, but still, I enjoyed reading this motivational weight loss journey of David Kirchhoff, President and CEO of Weight Watchers.
March 15, 2013
Kirchhoff has a unique, witty writing style that makes this book easy reading. His journey to goal weight was a long, hard, funny experience. I really enjoyed the book.
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July 11, 2012This was a good book and easy to read.
June 11, 2017
I have always been told you can't "diet." It has to be a "lifestyle change." What does that mean? How do you do that? Read this book. Author's honesty and self-deprecating revelations are humorous and will ring true for you.
June 3, 2012
It's been a while since I've read a self-help book as I burned myself out on them about a decade ago. However, I joined Weight Watchers recently and discovered David Kirchhoff's blog. The blog posts were informative, inspiring and humorous so I decided to read his book and I'm glad I picked it up.
The book details Mr. Kirchhoff's personal weight loss and maintenance journey. The skeptic in me kept wanting to think he was only writing the book to publicize Weight Watchers since he's the company's CEO (all royalties reportedly are donated to Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign). He does indeed speak extensively about the company and how its weight loss system worked for him personally. But the book is about so much more than one company. Rather, Mr. Kirchhoff does a good job of combining personal experience, statistics, research results and stories to make a case that obesity can be effectively addressed.
I often think that I'm the only man alive who experiences my unique set of food challenges, like binging on a bag of chips and a tumbler of bourbon while watching a football game. After reading Mr. Kirchhoff's personal stories I know my challenges are not unique. Either that or he's been watching me and told my stories as his own. I appreciate how he discussed weight loss and maintenance challenges but gave practical advice for achieving success. And I appreciated that he didn't say it would be easy or that obesity can be conquered by following a simple plan. Rather, he acknowledged time and again that it's a battle and one that would likely have to be waged throughout the course of one's life.
Mr. Kirchhoff's blend of humor and practical advice gave me hope that I too can work towards and maintain a more healthy lifestyle. I'm glad I read his book.
The book details Mr. Kirchhoff's personal weight loss and maintenance journey. The skeptic in me kept wanting to think he was only writing the book to publicize Weight Watchers since he's the company's CEO (all royalties reportedly are donated to Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign). He does indeed speak extensively about the company and how its weight loss system worked for him personally. But the book is about so much more than one company. Rather, Mr. Kirchhoff does a good job of combining personal experience, statistics, research results and stories to make a case that obesity can be effectively addressed.
I often think that I'm the only man alive who experiences my unique set of food challenges, like binging on a bag of chips and a tumbler of bourbon while watching a football game. After reading Mr. Kirchhoff's personal stories I know my challenges are not unique. Either that or he's been watching me and told my stories as his own. I appreciate how he discussed weight loss and maintenance challenges but gave practical advice for achieving success. And I appreciated that he didn't say it would be easy or that obesity can be conquered by following a simple plan. Rather, he acknowledged time and again that it's a battle and one that would likely have to be waged throughout the course of one's life.
Mr. Kirchhoff's blend of humor and practical advice gave me hope that I too can work towards and maintain a more healthy lifestyle. I'm glad I read his book.
July 24, 2012
I just want everyone to know that I did not just buy this book because I am a Weight Watchers member I also bought the book because all of the proceeds of the sell of this book go to Share Our Strength which has the goal of ending childhood hunger in our country by 2015. Also, if you have been trying to lose weight or have thought about it and have thought about Weight Watchers this will give you just enough information that will help you decide to go to a meeting or join on-line. Weight Watchers could not have chosen a better person to be President and Ceo of Weight Watchers also he helped in developing Weight Watchers on-line. He has been in all of our shoes he is just not a CEO but a Weight Watchers life time member. This is a good read and supplement to the program or if you are on your way to losing for good this is a good book. You do not have to be following Weight Watchers to enjoy this book and its benefits. I want to personally thank David Kirchhoff and hope some day I have the chance to meet him.
February 9, 2013
Weight Loss Boss is written by a guy that's living the lifestyle. David is the CEO of Weight Watchers and he learned how to best conquer his weight issues. Weight Loss Boss is his way of trying to help others achieve the healthy lifestyle that he's managed to find.
Kirchoff's writing style is laid back and honest. He's funny, down to earth and he put's his own faults out there for everyone to see. If you ever struggled with weight, you can find a friend in David. Not only does he show you how long it took him to finally lose his extra weight, he tells you all the startling statistics about what being overweight or obese can cause.
The great thing about his story, even though he's CEO of Weight Watchers and even though he finally managed to lose the weight and successfully keep it off, he lets you know it's not an easy journey. He still messes up every now and then because after all, he's still human.
Whether or not you are following the Weight Watchers plan, this book is a good, motivational tool if you are looking to lose weight and keep it off.
Kirchoff's writing style is laid back and honest. He's funny, down to earth and he put's his own faults out there for everyone to see. If you ever struggled with weight, you can find a friend in David. Not only does he show you how long it took him to finally lose his extra weight, he tells you all the startling statistics about what being overweight or obese can cause.
The great thing about his story, even though he's CEO of Weight Watchers and even though he finally managed to lose the weight and successfully keep it off, he lets you know it's not an easy journey. He still messes up every now and then because after all, he's still human.
Whether or not you are following the Weight Watchers plan, this book is a good, motivational tool if you are looking to lose weight and keep it off.
January 6, 2013
LOVED this book! I think everyone who has ever wanted to lose weight, is trying to lose, or is maintaining can relate to something in this book. That said, I do think Weight Watchers members will get the most out of it because we already know the lingo (he does give a little breakdown of that though). This book works because it is real. He may be the CEO and have access to every WW tool their is, but he is still a former fat guy battling his demons on a daily basis. He is brutally honest about the things he still does that could sabotage his weight, but how he keeps it all in balance. He really breaks down the different parts of the process and the different places in our lives where we struggle with weight loss. I found myself reminded of a lot of useful things I learned when I first joined the program that were so true and helpful.
An added bonus, he's donating all the royalties from the book to Share Our Strength!
An added bonus, he's donating all the royalties from the book to Share Our Strength!
March 19, 2014
David Kirchoff, the former CEO of Weight Watchers International has written a practical and funny book about the challenges of losing weight. He uses specific examples from his own struggle and, while he supports the Weight Watchers plan, he acknowledges that there are other methods and programs that may also work. He's not just a "suit" endorsing Weight Watchers, he is a real-life guy who sneaks ice cream and can eat giant bowls of peanuts before he realizes what he's done. He tells amusing stories and acknowledges that the struggle to lose weight is a life time effort. His advice is logical and his examples are realistic. The guidance that he offers is from his own struggle and is relatable.
He gives several examples of people who have succeeded but these profiles lack before and after pictures. Those of us who are on the weight loss journey LOVE seeing the before and after pictures. That's the only reason I gave the book 4 rather than 5 stars.
He gives several examples of people who have succeeded but these profiles lack before and after pictures. Those of us who are on the weight loss journey LOVE seeing the before and after pictures. That's the only reason I gave the book 4 rather than 5 stars.
May 6, 2012
Full disclosure: I am a Weight Watchers employee who has drunk the kool-aid, and for many of us on staff, Kirchhoff is somewhat of a rockstar.
I like Kirchhoff's writing style as it is (from the blog Man Meets Scale). His sense of humor, his ability to throw it all out there and look a little weird. This book is really more of the same.
In terms of weight loss advice, he does a good job of showing how he has managed to build and sustain healthy behaviors (making them effortless is a big theme), many of which I've personally also found helpful in my life.
If you're pro-Weight Watchers you'll like this. If you're not, you'll just think it's more of the same. This book hits a pretty clear demographic (which I'm squarely in). I will say that you need not have personal experience with the Weight Watchers program to get what he's saying.
I like Kirchhoff's writing style as it is (from the blog Man Meets Scale). His sense of humor, his ability to throw it all out there and look a little weird. This book is really more of the same.
In terms of weight loss advice, he does a good job of showing how he has managed to build and sustain healthy behaviors (making them effortless is a big theme), many of which I've personally also found helpful in my life.
If you're pro-Weight Watchers you'll like this. If you're not, you'll just think it's more of the same. This book hits a pretty clear demographic (which I'm squarely in). I will say that you need not have personal experience with the Weight Watchers program to get what he's saying.
June 24, 2012
This was a good book. He has a unique perspective. He's a man (obviously)and a CEO so by nature, he's a problem solver. His main advice is to stop relying on willpower since that's impossible to do in today's food market. Temptation is everywhere. Rely instead on healthy habits that are second nature and don't require thought or decision and clean up your food environment. Don't stock things in your pantry that you can't resist. Don't tell yourself you'll only eat one serving of chips if chips are your weakness. Understand you'll eat the whole bag and don't buy the chips. Plan ahead. If you're going out to dinner, check the menu on the internet first and figure out ahead of time what your healthier options are. Very common-sense and a nice change from the usual science-heavy or emotion-heavy weight loss books I've read before.
October 4, 2012
I am currently utilizing the Weight Watchers program and having some success, so I decided I’d read the book written by the CEO of Weight Watchers, David Kirchoff. The book is well-written and full of valuable information, even if you don’t follow the program formally. Kirchoff has a knack for making his personal anecdotes funny and relatable without being preachy and I found myself nodding in recognition many times. The background information about how Weight Watchers was founded was interesting, and hearing about how Kirchoff went from internet monkey to CEO of a company he initially thought was aimed at women was inspiring.
At the end of each chapter is a success story from a Weight Watchers member that is inspiring and honest. I recommend this book to anyone who struggles with weight issues and to Weight Watchers members especially. It should be required reading.
At the end of each chapter is a success story from a Weight Watchers member that is inspiring and honest. I recommend this book to anyone who struggles with weight issues and to Weight Watchers members especially. It should be required reading.
May 21, 2012
Can't rate this book highly enough! No information is new but the knowledge that even the CEO of Weight Watchers struggles to control his own weight and that it took him almost 10 years to get to goal, the book is refreshing in it's honesty and humour. Of course I've been a fan of David's 'Man Meets Scale' blog for quite a while, so maybe I'm biased, but I now look at my own food habits a bit differently (and even looking for the ones I'm not even aware of). Unlike other diet books, the majority of the book is about weight maintenance, with a lot of discussion about how David became obese, how he lost the weight, and the demons he faces on a daily basis. 5 stars from me.
June 13, 2012
I have read many books and articles about weight loss, some helpful, others not so much. I can honestly say that I found this one helpful in that Kirchhoff confronts the reader with the need to develop new habits, given the fact that fundamental lifestyle changes are necessary to any long-term weight loss. Diets, even when they lead to weight loss in the shorter term, cannot work unless habits are changed for the long term. Maintenance of weight loss is actually more difficult than losing in the first place. He shares his own struggle in a very easy-to-read humorous style and talks about the pressure of remaining fit as CEO of Weight Watchers.
May 22, 2012
I was just not a fan of the book. It completely restated the obvious weight loss maxims that I've heard 80,032 times before without giving any new insight into our collective health and obesity problems. Contrary to his repeated claims that his experience was typical of the average American ("If I can do it, so can you!"), David Kirchhoff has more motivation and access to resources as the CEO of Weight Watchers than any other person on the planet. Whatever message he's selling, I clearly didn't buy it.
January 25, 2013
David Kirchhoff is the CEO of Weight Watchers as well as a Lifetime Member. This is not a book about dieting, but rather a bit of memoir about his own weight loss and a lot of practical advice for anyone, man or woman, who has lost weight or wants to lose weight. Kirchhoff is funny, insightful, smart, and well-informed. He mixes his personal discoveries with the current research on health and obesity and short essays by men and women who have successfully lost weight. I also recommend watching his TEDtalk about obesity.
May 13, 2012
Definitely more meaningful if one is familiar with Weight Watchers, however, that said, he tells it like it is. The food industries strivng to make a profit at the expense of our health, the health issues that await if you have a BMI over 25, poverty breeds less nutrirional choices. Many people will relate to his weight loss journey...that he is still actively traveling - even after being at goal weight for three years. Insightful!
September 19, 2013
I thought this had an excellent perspective on real weight loss challenges. It left me feeling like, "Yeah it's tough to lose weight and keep it off for good, but it is possible ... not easy, but possible." The reality is harsh, but true. I classify myself as a yo-yo dieter. I can lose weight easily, but it always seems to creep back on. This book was good for me because David talked about maintenance challenges and how to face them. And he really made me laugh too.
July 28, 2012
Besides the fact that the author is funny, he shared some new perspectives that I found fresh on this topic, engaging and usefu1. Key points: Eating less and increasing activity won’t do it. If it was that simple there would be no weight loss industry. Will-power and motivation won’t help you turn it around; restructure your eating environment; build routines & habits; give it a lifetime. The eating environment has really changed since I was young.
October 23, 2012
I am a Weight Watchers member and I found this book not only inspiring but so familiar in how I've felt over the years about my health, weight and self image. To boot, I found myself laughing out loud to some parts of the book. There are some really good tips, tricks and inspiring (there's that word again!) words. The author's self deprecating humor makes this topic not feel so shameful and makes the reader not feel so alone. Thank you for this book!!!!
October 24, 2012
On of the better books about establishing healthy life habits and losing weight that I have read. Even though he is the CEO of Weight Watchers, what he really talks abut is how he developed habits that supported his weight loss and healthy life style, and he doesn't talk much about the WW program. There are some "success stories" that talk about WW, and I found those actually felt like filler material. I skipped them after awhile. Quick easy read and inspiring.
February 7, 2013
Just an okay book. The author is honest and humorous about his own weight loss struggles. It easy to relate to him and his journey. At times though he cites various scientists and studies that caused my eyes to glaze over. He dedicated a whole chapter to men and weight loss that I pretty much skipped over. At the end of a lot of the chapters there are little stories from successful weight watchers that are always interesting for me to read about.
March 16, 2013
This is a personal journey by a man who came to Weight Watchers via his computer and CEO skills. It's a very honest look at weight loss as a lifestyle change and not at all simply a promo for Weight Watchers. The guy has a sense of humor and is very very smart, and it is a delightful read. No magic pills or miracle cures here--rather, a good illustration of how difficult this process is and how it is a lifelong commitment to fundamental change.
March 27, 2013
Solid, practical advice about the challenges of our food-centric society. Even if you aren't a Weight Watchers member, there are lots of great tips and ideas. I appreciate Mr. Kirchhoff telling his story and how it was (and can still be) a struggle for him. It boiled down to lifestyle changes and hard work. Perhaps not the message the reader wants to hear, but he speaks from his experience and learnings. He uses humor throughout the book which makes a challenging subject very entertaining!
May 10, 2013
A very humorous and self-effacing story of how Kirchoff came to be the CEO of Weight Watchers. He describes his WW method for losing weight by using his own struggles with losing and maintaining his weight. While it isn't an ad for Weight Watchers, nor do you have to be on that program to read it, his book is a thoughtful and humorous discussion of the subject of weight, health, and changing your lifestyle.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews