Accidentally Overweight: Solve Your Weight Loss Puzzle

by Libby Weaver

Dr Libby's first book Accidentally Overweight, was written after Dr Libby spent 14 years at university and 13 years working with clients. Dr Libby noticed that despite enormous efforts with food and movement, many people were unable to lose weight by simply focusing on what is known as the calorie equation: how much you eat versus how much you move. These observations led Dr Libby to return to her scientific textbooks asking the question, "what messages does the human body receive that tells it to either burn fat or store it?" Accidentally Overweight was born out of the answers Dr Libby discovered of which there are 9 factors which make up the chapters of this compelling book.

They are: Calories, Stress Hormones, Sex Hormones, The Liver, Gut Bacteria, The Thyroid, Insulin, Alkalinity and Emotions.

Whether consciously or subconsciously, many people are frustrated by how they feel about their body, or its appearance, and this frustration can take up their headspace and influence their moods. Many people eat well and exercise regularly yet their body fat does not reflect their efforts. Others have gained and lost the same 40 pounds for the past 20 years. This book explains the biochemistry and emotions of weight loss to help free people from their battle with their bodies, as let's face it it is not usually a lack of education that leads someone to polish off a packet of chocolate cookies after dinner. It is most often emotional and Accidentally Overweight helps you get to the heart of your emotional eating which allows changes to be sustained.

Accidentally Overweight is about what has to happen for a human to able to access fat and burn it. Essentially it is about weight loss and all the things that need to come together in our bodies to make it possible.Ultimately Accidentally Overweight is about freeing people from their battle with their bodies, a battle that may interfere with them sharing their full gifts with the world.

"Libby embraces a holistic approach by treating the root cause of an ailment. Her extensive knowledge of how the body works makes her a "one-stop shop" in achieving and maintaining ultimate health and well being."

Deborra-lee and Hugh Jackman

"Few nutritionist have a PhD in biochemistry, a presenter's charisma and a bedside manner so insightful her patients have bestowed upon her a kind of guru-like reverence."

Rebecca Barry, Canvas Magazine

"In the world of sweeping stereotypes, nothing fits when it comes to Dr Libby Weaver. She can spout Biochemistry so effortlessly yet she makes you feel like you are talking to your best friend. Dr Libby has become one of the most important voices in women's health in New Zealand."

Alexia Santamaria, Next Magazine

"For those who have met her and taken her advice, Libby's insights are often described as 'life-changing' and I can definitely vouch for that."

Helene Ravlich, beauty writer, www.mshelene.com

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Self Help, Nutrition

179 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Terrey Durbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A blinding flash of the not so obvious... New paradigm. .Get healthy first to lose weight not lose weight to be healthy. A must read. The most helpful book I have read, almost immediate shift in my approach to weight loss. I am not concentrating on weight loss rather focused on what is happening in my body, the biochemistry, hormones and the Improvement in health. I have stopped weighing myself, food is not the enemy any more and I have control. I may need to down size my clothes soon. I must be losing weight along the path to a healthier body. Thanks to Accidentally Overweight. I am 61 and have battled with weight since age 12. I can now relax and the battle is over.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book has just changed my life!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book that explains complicated science in an easy to understand way. I love the common sense approach of this book and am excited to see what changes may come after putting in place some of the solutions I identified might enhance my well being. Currently reading Rushing Woman's Syndrome by Dr Libby which covers some of the same ground but more in depth regarding woman's issues. I have also attended a Dr Libby seminar and would recommend to anyone who enjoys the books.

[Kristie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review.

This book took longer than expected to read, as it was more dense than I expected it to be. I found some of this book fascinating, seeing how the body works together. Yet, other parts read like a biology textbook.

There is a lot of information, probably too much to remember in one pass. I did highlight some ideas and bookmark a few pages to go back to. I think there were a few ideas that I hadn’t heard before and might try out. For example, I never considered drinking water with meals might dilute the acidity in my stomach and alter the digestion of food.

One thing I wasn’t expecting was that the book includes previously written articles not topics such as breast health & alcohol consumption. The author did a nice job of applying the articles to what she was discussing in the book and they included some interesting information. There were also case studies from the author’s practice, which were interesting to read.

There was some repetition in the book, as seems to be the case with many books in the self-help genre. This can be a bit frustrating at times.

Overall, I found this to be a somewhat interesting book, but maybe a bit over-technical at times. Worth a read, if you are struggling with losing weight and don’t know why.

[Sunflower · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Libby before she moved to NZ and got married, when she was in charge of a seminar programme. She did a superb job there, and was the embodiment of her own advice. This book is a distillation of a different way of looking at body weight, with the starting point being that it's not about the food. It's about how we live, what stresses and emotions we are trying to escape from, and our sometimes destructive coping strategies. Well explained and scientifically based, my only gripe was that the spelling mistakes annoyed me; the difference between bare and bear is significant!

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book about the things that might influence weight gain (more than just too many calories in vs not enough out). Covers lots of sections like stress, insulin, thyroid etc. Really interesting, and encouraging. Thoroughly recommend to all women, even if weight loss is not something for you to worry about. Interesting tidbits about digestion and the influence of food and other facts on general health.

[Jen Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, very insightful, and actually scientific. If you can't work out your body, this is a good place to start.

[Janka H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I´d say read this book as one of VARIOUS sources. Because while the authoress is definitely warm and approachable and some of the mentioned key issues are definitely worth thinking about, I also find some of the opinions presented being no more than that, opinions. Sources vary and I would like to have more "hard" data here to back up some of the points. Also the book relies too much on the naturopathy for my liking, as I am fan of more scientific approach (and my personal way to healing includes the herbs, essential oils and propolis, too - yet only after I know the "WHY" and the "HOW").
But I definitely agree with the last chapter - Emotions! One´s approach to the whole food question is so important and can signal a lot of issues, too!

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hay House and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Accidentally Overweight, in exchange for an honest review.

Author Libby Weaver has some good advice for readers who are looking to make positive changes in their lives. Accidentally Overweight is intended to be read from start to finish, as it will help readers to identify the areas where support is needed most and provide healthy solutions. The book begins with a little history lesson of how humans have evolved in their health and wellness over many years. When it comes down to it, Accidentally Overweight is not just a book about losing weight, it is also about how to free yourself from what holds you back and keeps you from becoming a well balanced individual.

The easiest lesson in the book is regarding digestion and how to make your body systems work more efficiently. It might sound silly for someone to remind readers to chew their food, but it is just that easy. Accidentally Overweight makes a certain amount of sense and is a fresh look on how to combat those extra pounds. Using natural methods, the potential solutions to weight issues are worth trying. A bit of caution, however: this book is mostly filled with soft science - no hard and fast data to back up the author's claims. Accidentally Overweight is not a substitute for a doctor's opinion, but the advice the author gives might just be the push that some readers need to help themselves.

[Zee Monodee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book 10 stars, I would! Possibly the best health book I have ever read in my entire life! The writing is easy to understand, never overwhelming, and it actually explains stuff. Like, why and how your liver might be the key to your (non) weight loss and how it and stress hormones are also affecting your feminine hormonal balance, which then further sends you out of whack, and so on. Definitely a major eye-opener. I'm no stranger to the world of health and health books, having read everything I could get my hands on for the past decade, yet I learned so much I didn't know through this book. It's changed the way I look at my body and how/why it might be doing things and turning against me (I've had breast cancer twice).
Make it a point to read this book. Trust me, your body, your health, your whole life will change!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about sooo much more than losing weight. The body is a priceless, amazing, highly complex, creation, and how many of us actually know how it works? I mean, it's something you own, right? like a dishwasher, or a car, and maintaining it costs heaps, and will continue to cost heaps, yet so many of us know so little about it. Why is that, I wonder?

A friend lent me this book because - I'll be honest - I have been struggling with not only cutting back my alcohol consumption but losing a fatty bulge around my waist, and I read it in two days. I have had a long and serious discussion with myself, and already I feel I am on the way to a better, kinder lifestyle. Now I need to go out and buy my own copy, since there's so much information here I will be reading and rereading it. If you are serious about taking care of yourself, this is the book for you.

[Ruth Hapeta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book, my workmate lost heaps of weight following what it said. She discusses the biochemistry of weight loss and all the systems of the body that need to be working in sync for weight loss to occur, including emotions. I read a library copy but I want to buy my own copy so I can actually follow her advice.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book, I think I learnt something from every single one of the 253 pages. It all seemed like stuff women should innately know, but don't. I'm moving straight on to Rushing Woman's Syndrome.

[SerialReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reading not only if you’re on a weight loss journey but even if you want to know about how your body works. At some point it may sounds a little technical but don’t get discourage and keep reading, you won’t be disappointed.


*This book was kindly sent to me via NetGalley by Hay House*

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing. Dr.Libby Weaver breaks it down!

[Annakingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really helped me get my head around what could be going on in my body. Thanks Dr. Libby for explaining things so simply.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting - gives some great insights into low progesterone/estogen dominance that will be of interest to women struggling with infertility and miscarriage.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really insightful on how our bodies work. I knew it wasn't as simple as calories in and calories out - now I know why.

[Nadine Linklater]

Awesome book - very informative!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for someone that is having difficulty losing weight. It has 9 elements that might be preventing someone from losing weight that we don't really think about.

[Stacey Broadbent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such an eye opener. I think all women would benefit from reading this.

Accidentally Overweight covers so much more than the food you eat. It's not about a diet, it's about a way of life. It helps you to really understand what goes on inside your body, and ways that you can be negatively affecting your body without realising it.

I now feel as if I know my body better. While reading, I've put a few things into action and I have to say, I've noticed a difference.

Dr Libby Weaver used examples that I could relate to. It was kind of freeing to know that others think the same way that I do. To know I'm not the only one.
She explained things in a way that I could understand, and gave a range of solutions to try.

I actually found myself in tears as I read the section on our emotions. I thought I had a pretty good grasp on my emotions. But now I'm not so sure. So much of what she described, I had felt about myself at one time or another. It's amazing how we can perceive situations so differently, just by looking at it from a different emotional response. Now that I recognise my underlying feelings, I'm going to make an effort to change how I feel about myself.

This is a book that will stay with you. It's one that I can see myself going back to. Definitely a must read.

[Carolyn E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidentally Overweight is the most comprehensive book on weight loss I have ever read, and I've read a lot of them. Libby Weaver walks you through 9 potential health situations that may be causing your body to hold on to fat instead of burning it. Calories are only one factor. The other puzzle pieces are: insulin, thyroid function, liver function, gut bacteria, nervous system, sex hormones, stress hormones and last, emotions. She has a clear, readable style that enables her to communicate both the biochemistry and the psychology behind our expanding (or shrinking) waistlines. It's a dense book, full of practical steps to take.

The number one takeaway for me is LOWER CORTISOL. On the physical side, that means: limit or eliminate coffee, slow down, chew each mouthful 20 times, breathe from the diaphragm. On the soul side: address beliefs that may have been protective in the past but are emotionally immature today. Learn to ask, "I wonder what's going on for that person?" instead of immediately jumping to "I've been rejected!"

This is a manual for getting healthy in body and mind first. Then the body will be feel safe enough to shed the excess.

[Allie MacPhail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gasped at the title of this book. I don’t subscribe to the idea of accidentally overweight as a reason to justify weight gain. But I do love the science behind the reasons of how our body just loves to hang onto extra poundage. The author suggests reading through once then going back and taking more specific noticed during your second reading, I will be doing this. Packed with so much science combined with a fabulous way to address such a prevalent concern for so many of us- this book was great.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, although I wish it had a different title. It really goes through all of the issues that go into the whole healthy weight dilemma. It is not just calories in, calories out (i.e. diet & exercise). Part of it is hormones or how you deal with stress. I will use this as a resource now and in the future.

[Faby Cassani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Siento que le hubiera dado más estrellas si...
1. No dijera frases como "inhale the
food", "eat like a piglet"
2. No tuviera conocimiento alguno sobre los temas (ej. digestión, tiroides, etc....)
que se hablaron ya que al haberlos estudiado en la facultad, me parece información explicada de una manera muy básica y me aburría

[Michyreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fabulous read. I felt like this book was written about my life. Lots of insights and practical advice. I would have given it 5 stars but there were SO many errors in the Kindle edition; almost every page had a typo / mistake :(

[Ashleigh Ryninks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was as expected: informative with helpful tips. It made me realise that losing weight is not only about calories but also about your overall health. As expected, I was hoping to get answers that don’t exist in this space.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confirms what I've always believed, calories in is the most important thing for wright loss is a fallacy and in turn a destructive message for many of us. A good look into the other pieces of the weight puzzle

[Katie de Leeuw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book that explains various concepts very clearly while also suggesting realistic actions that the reader can take. One thing really irked me though... did this book go through proof reading?! It is FULL of grammatical errors!

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent information...now if I can put it to work for me!