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Outsmarting Obesity: A Doctor Reveals Why We Gain Weight, Why It Matters, and What We Can Do About It

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Harness cutting-edge science and common sense to outsmart obesity.

One of the most significant global health challenges we face today is obesity. Over 100 million people in the US alone are seeking a game-changing solution to this problem. How can we break free from obesity’s clutches and shed unwanted weight for good? The answer—multifaceted, interconnected, and rooted in scientific fact, clinical experience, and common sense—lies within the pages of Outsmarting Obesity.

In Outsmarting Obesity, pioneering physician Dr. Stewart Lonky gives us a fresh look at the obesity challenge with an easy-to-read explanation of the science behind his groundbreaking approach. He explains how epigenetics, our modern environment, and our toxic behaviors have created the perfect obesity storm, imperiling our physical, financial, and psychological well-being. Dr. Lonky has devoted years to studying obesity’s mysteries, and together with his colleague, peak performance expert and celebrity nutritionist Chris Talley, offers concrete suggestions on how to stop, reverse, and even prevent the obesity scourge.

Get ready to break free from obesity’s clutches and embark on a journey toward lasting weight loss and a healthier, more vibrant life.

384 pages, Hardcover

Published September 10, 2024

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Profile Image for Vlad.
137 reviews16 followers
December 1, 2024
Stats:

✧ 72% of adults (20 an up) in the US are overweight or obese (over 42% of those are obese)

✧ 1/3rd of children are overweight or obese

✧ More than 1 billion people are obese. That's more than 1 in 8 people.

✧︎ Since 1990, rates have more than 2x in adults and 4x in children and teens.

✧ 7/10 Americans are obese or overweight but only 36% think they have a weight problem. (Talk about a lack of self awareness).


This book is for all the people who like to feel sorry for themselves and avoid any and all accountability for their own actions. The people who like to be told they are perfect when they know they have a million and one different things they need to work on in life.

The people who like to blame everyone else for their problems.

The people who like to feel pandered and pampered like a baby, this is for you.

This book is very annoying in that he is CONSTANTLY declaring one thing and then in the next sentence saying another. He lists many different POTENTIAL factors that COULD promote obesity.

And when he brings them up he says these things like they are well known facts, then a second later he tells you "the jury is still out on this one folks, we have no clue if this is actually a factor leading to obesity or not".

Some sections of this book are just one big MAYBE.

"Maybe this is a cause, but we don't know."

"Ohhh we have evidence this causes obesity in mice, but actually nevermind, maybe not, we don't know after all."

"Over the last decade this has been proven to cause obesity in pigs in several trials, but maybe the scientists were just dreaming when they discovered it, so really, we don't know."

"Oh yeah we discovered this gene plays a huge factor in obesity, but only .000001% of people have it so it really doesn't matter, I just wanted to tell you for fun."

I get that the consensus and research in this area may not be widespread, but the delivery of this information by the author could have been miles better. The way the author chose to write this is nauseating. Constantly ping ponging between something (damn near) being a proven cause to "just kidding, we really have no fucking clue at the moment guys 🤪"

More Stats:

✧ Our fat cell count stays relatively constant even after weight loss (our count is set in childhood and adolescence).

✧ When you are obese, your body is in a constant state of inflammation

✧ Obesity promotes inflammation and inflammation promotes obesity

✧ Twin studies show obesity's (characteristic features) heritability ranges between 70% and 80%. Only our height has a higher heritability rate. But more than 60 genetic locations influence BMI and 33 influence body mass distribution so there are a LOT of other variables.

✧ In the next 12 years, over 4 Billion people are expected to be obese.

✧ Chemical exposures (in our plastics, products, environment, pesticides, drugs, etc) MAY play a key role in propagating obesity

✧ Mexico has the highest childhood obesity rates and the 2nd highest adult obesity rate. Over 75% of the population is overweight or obese.

✧ Children who spend over 3 hours a day in front of TVs or computer screens are 50% more likely to be obese than kids who spend less than 2.

✧ Over 33% of (1 in 3) adults in the United States has prediabetes

✧ 55% of adults don’t think they are overweight (and aren’t trying to lose weight) *see the very first stat for the reality of things*

✧ Eating too fast can cause you to eat more than you should.

He outlines some of the chemicals known to be the most harmful and he gives you guidelines on how to avoid/limit your exposure to them.

It’s a great inclusion to have in the book, but to no one’s surprise, the actual practicality of living this way is comical.

Here’s just one of the suggestions for avoiding Parabens.

“Consider limiting your use of products that stay on your skin for extended periods like lotion or creams” (You better think twice about using that sunscreen now too /s)

That's just absurd. Nevertheless, better to list these options than to omit them.

My Biggest Gripe: The author infantilizing readers

Authors/people always want to placate grown adults just so they can be liked.

Saying “it’s not your fault” when over 72% of Americans are overweight and obese is like saying it’s not your fault you're addicted to your phone. Just blame Instagram and all of social media for that.

It’s funny how the author readily mentions other POTENTIAL causes that COULD exacerbate weight gain. When all that really does is highlight the fact that people are incredibly foolish for not placing even more care and attention to the food they put in their mouth. And how often they move their bodies (i.e the things they CAN control).

Even if you blindly and willingly accept that there are a myriad of contributing factors to obesity (many of which are outside of your control). That doesn’t change the fact that you’re overweight.

It doesn’t change the fact that eating less and exercising regularly has been a proven method of weight loss since the beginning of time.

Having more things to blame for you being overweight just makes it that much more important that as a grown adult you actually take some agency over your life and regulate the junk you put in your body.

Instead of fostering an internal locus of control (which would help to empower and build an individuals self confidence) the author skirts far more towards patting you on the back and telling you “it’s ok you’re fat, it’s not your fault” while waving an 800 calorie paraben filled donut in front of your face.

Citing numerous external factors for weight gain, only makes it THAT much more important that you pay attention to the factors you do control.

Thankfully later in the book he briefly states a more honest and objective view on obesity which simply put states the obvious: being obese is not healthy nor something to be proud of.

One of the best quotes from the book:

"We shouldn't spread misinformation. There should be an end to attempts to normalizing body sizes that increases a persons disease risk and decreases their life span."

Body Acceptance Movement:

So much of the body acceptance movement and wanting to see overweight females plastered all over advertisements is the result of a vocal mass of lazy, insecure, and unhealthy women wanting society to pander to them the same way women incessantly pander to one another when talking amongst themselves.

It's weak minded and weak willed people wanting to feel better about themselves and the awful decisions they continue to make in life.

When women advocate for "body acceptance" it never in a million years has ANYTHING to do with a man's body.

It's simply women wanting to avoid any and all accountability for being fat, unhealthy and overweight. Because anytime they see a slim healthy woman simply EXISTING, they can't help but compare themselves to her.

Instead of actually doing something about it and bettering themselves, they would rather have you wallow in their pity and delusion. They would rather continue to live in denial so they complain and try to make you think that being overweight and unhealthy is a good thing, because that's the same lie women tell themselves to avoid having to accept any responsibility for their horrible choices.

You will virtually NEVER find a single woman go out of her way to advocate for "body acceptance" when it's a male involved. 99,999 times out of 100,000 it's women solely advocating for women. Because that’s who they can’t stop comparing themselves to.

Other WOMEN!

And that’s (self acceptance) what they are really after as they desperately plead for society to make them feel better about how lazy they are. They want society to accept them, because they don't know how to accept themselves.

They can't come to terms with the fact that they are overweight so they want society to tell them "it's ok" to be unhealthy. Because if society doesn't conform to their delusion, then that means they would actually have to face reality (that being fat is ACTUALLY bad for you! IMAGINE THAT! 😵).

Let a man be overweight and 10 times out of 10 a girl will just look the other way and happily wait around for a healthier guy to hit her up. But when the responsibility to not be an obese cow falls on her shoulders, she just wants you to "accept her" for being her lazy, overweight and unhealthy self.

Men have never needed to spend their days trying to convince society to accept them. Because since the beginning of time they've offered so much more value to the world than others who solely exist to simply flaunt their meat suit.

I mean it's common sense, if someone truly believes "you are more than your body" then they wouldn't be spending their lives continuously obsessing over their body. They would develop skills, interests, positive habits, helpful mindsets, ideas and have copious things to talk about OTHER than JUST their body.

It's like talking to someone and every 5 minutes they interrupt you to tell you how confident and courageous they are.

Nobody in the world who's truly confident has to do that. Similarly nobody who truly beliefs they are "more than just their body" has to try and convince others of that.

They show it through their actions. Their are plenty of fat men who own million and billion dollar companies.

They don't need society to pander to their unhealthy eating habits because they aren't emotionally frail nor reliant on others to feel a sense of self worth.

Yet that's exactly what women need you to do because the level of emotional maturity they possess is as strong as a string of dried spaghetti.

In Closing:

It's great that the author is bringing greater awareness to other factors that contribute to obesity. But the way in which he sidelines an individuals choices in the matter is just dumb.

We're talking about a nation that craves dopamine, distractions, instant gratification, convenience, trends, sensationalized media, mindless TikTok content/garbage, celebrity news, the (most fear based and bias) news, fame, doing whatever it takes to "fit in" and be liked etc.

Yet the author wholeheartedly takes a shit on the massive role that an individual's personal agency plays in managing their own health AS IF we are a nation of exemplary deities indulging in only the most divine habits known to man 😇

It's like he's trying to make (overweight) readers feel better about being unhealthy while simultaneously painting himself to be a pioneer (in this space) for shedding light on several other potential causes for obesity.

It's like he's saying:

"Hey, instead of focusing on this one method (eat well, exercise regularly) that we know works and is beneficial for you in a multitude of ways. Try looking at these 16 other causes we found to cause obesity. Oh and some of them are completely out of your control and some are just potential causes, so the jury's still out on them. But good luck deciding whether to leave it in or cut it out from your life 🙂"

The title for the book is pretty strange and doesn't fit at all if you ask me. There's little to no "outsmarting" obesity here. That title just further propagates the (false) idea that you AREN'T in control of your health.

I am glad the author is spreading awareness of some of the harmful chemicals companies are putting in our products and I'm sure he means well but this book was largely "meh" to me.

I'm not at all convinced that it's "someone else's fault" that most people in the United States (and many around the world) are overweight and unhealthy. This isn't a nation of dictators that control every nanosecond of your day. Most people have so much choice and agency over their lives they literally don't even know what to do with themselves (hence they seek so many distractions) yet the author wants to diminish the role personal agency plays in our your health.

I can certainly agree with some of the other factors (toxins, genes etc.) playing a role in obesity, but at the end of the day, the average person in the USA (and elsewhere) has MORE than enough technology and information at their disposal to make smarter decisions then the ones they are currently making.

Many people DON'T prioritize health any more than they prioritize treating others with sincere kindness, so it's no surprise that both these things are lacking in the world today.

My 2 Major Gripes:

- Trying to placate readers by shifting the blame and responsibility of obesity to an external locus of control
- Not clear and concise

I'd give this a 2.5 ⭐️⭐️✨

I wouldn't say it's bad, but personally there just wasn't a ton of new information to me (although I'm sure many people new to this topic will learn a fair bit). No grand insights or shifts in perspective for me. (ARC)

And spreading the message of "it's not your fault" to the softest, most mentally frail, convenience filled generations to walk the Earth is DEFINITELY NOT going to help people improve their health.
Profile Image for Literary Redhead.
3,007 reviews735 followers
July 29, 2024
An intriguing look at what causes obesity and how to combat it. Uses a four-step program which addresses and treats the condition. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Gina.
165 reviews
August 16, 2024
This book touches a lot on the complexity of the obesity epidemic. Many of it consists of genetics, environment, nutrition, exercise, and even multigenerational choices that end up with a hard to beat disease.

The author is knowledgeable and tries to be thorough in his approaches. Some approaches seem practical and some are overwhelmingly not practical. It makes you rethink some lifestyle and environmental choices nonetheless. As complicated as this issue can be it may not be user friendly if you’re looking for a quick suggestion to consistent weight loss.

Overall, worth the read if you want to think about obesity and our exposures in a deeper way.
Profile Image for Jaime.
1,808 reviews312 followers
September 18, 2024
🔸The Lie ➡️ If a person is overweight or obese they simply eat too much and don’t exercise.
🔸The Lie ➡️ Obesity is a disease of lazy people.
⁉️How many times have you either heard this or been told this … how many times have you looked at a morbidly obese person and immediately thought of them as “lesser” individuals? How many times have you been talked down to and shamed about your weight by the healthcare professionals who you are seeking help from? You are not alone.

“Outsmarting Obesity” by Dr. Stewart Lonky is a book that breaks down why some people continually struggle with their weight no matter how they change eating habits and/or exercise habits. Sometimes the battle with weight never ends and while healthcare is focused on treating disease obesity has forever been thought of as a “lazy slovenly person syndrome” only impacting those who “deserve” to be overweight because they “must eat everything in sight.” Those have been the thoughts of society and medicine for decades — now however there is finally a branch of medicine that focuses on obesity as the disease it is — bariatric medicine. Not only is obesity a disease it is also directly related to multiple chronic illnesses including Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, heart disease, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and secondary liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, sleep apnea, Alzheimer’s Disease, neuropathy, stroke, vitamin D Deficiency, cancers, chronic pain, Lumbar Spine Stenosis, Herniated Spinal Disc’s, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, migraine disorder, fibromyalgia, and mental health disorders such as major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety. If this does not convince you that obesity is a serious medical condition then I am not sure what will … this book would be a great start to educating oneself and beginning to understand the multi faceted aspects of obesity.

Who is the author who is brave enough to challenge mainstream misconceptions and misinformation regarding obesity? Dr. Stewart Lonky is no stranger to challenging established beliefs about obesity. With his wealth of experience and expertise, he has dedicated years to unraveling obesity’s origins, causes, cures, and prevention. In “Outsmarting Obesity,” he peels back the layers of this epidemic to reveal the true drivers behind extreme weight gain. Despite countless solutions proposed over the past four decades, none have successfully reversed this alarming trend. Simply telling people to “eat less and exercise more” falls short of addressing a problem of obesity’s scope and scale.

I believe everyone should read this book. If you are not overweight or obese then it’s almost guaranteed that you will know one or more people who do have obesity. We as a society have a responsibility to stop shaming others, learn about obesity, and do what we can to work together in treating and preventing obesity.


📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this #book from the author/publisher via #Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher/author for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄
⭐️When possible reviews are cross-posted on the following:
✔️Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/jaime-loves...
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✔️Twitter @alpha_book_club
#ReviewByJaime #BookReview #MustRead #TBR #BookBoost
🦄
Profile Image for Alicia Bayer.
Author 10 books262 followers
August 17, 2024
This is a really interesting book and I learned a lot. The author is a doctor and it's got contributions by a nutritionist as well. Lonky says that the obesity/overweight epidemic is a lot more complex than anyone recognizes. He points out that we have tens of thousands of unstudied chemicals that are now in our food, water, homes, etc. and many of them are proven "obesogens" -- meaning they have been shown to change our hormones, metabolism, etc. and cause us to gain weight. He also talks about the changes to our food over time, our added calories, the way some ultraprocessed foods hijack and fool our basic bodily messages like hunger, how our genetics influence our weight, how the government and food industry have betrayed us, and much more. Even what our mothers eat, drink, or are exposed to while they're pregnant with us helps wire our bodies.

One fact that I found fascinating is that our animals in captivity (not pets) like zoo animals and lab monkeys and rats are also heavier today than they were with the exact same diet and calories a few decades ago, which really points to fundamental changes in the grains we're growing and the chemicals in our environment. He points out that nobody is spoiling lab animals with extra treats. They're literally fatter on modern basic food that should be the exact same stuff that they would have eaten 30 years ago.

Lonky has a lot of advice for outsmarting obesity but it's not easy. He points out that we cannot completely avoid the many hazardous chemicals in our modern environment and that a lot of other things are working against us. He advises avoiding ultraprocessed foods (as everyone advises), sugar, alcohol, tobacco and chemical additives (not just in food but fire retardants on clothes and furniture, pesticides, fungicides, etc). He suggests eating real, whole foods (proteins, healthy fats, complex carbs like vegetables and quinoa), drinking lots of filtered water, getting healthy movement, and really being mindful when eating (not skipping meals, pausing between each bite, no mindless eating, etc.). He also advises looking at your patterns and working with them, like if you know that you can't eat just one tiny cookie then accept that cookies keep you from getting the goals that are more important and just not bringing any more cookies into the house, and to stop beating yourself up about your weight or what you perceive as a lack of willpower (he says there is no way willpower can do all we ask of it in this battle) and to accept yourself and just set yourself up for as much success as possible. Also, stop with yo-yo dieting and severe calorie restriction, because every time you're telling your body to make it harder for you to lose weight next time.

It's a really deep dive into all of this and he doesn't pull any punches about how harmful obesity is, but he also doesn't pretend it's the person's fault. I wish there were a magic elixir but this is more a very thorough look at the issue and all the ways we can work to help ourselves.

I read a digital ARC of this book via NetGalley.
48 reviews
July 13, 2026
Outsmarting Obesity: A Doctor Reveals Why We Gain Weight, Why It Matters, and What We Can Do About It presents a thoughtful and science-driven examination of one of today's most pressing public health challenges. Rather than reducing obesity to willpower or calorie counting, Dr. Stewart Lonky explores the complex interaction of biology, environment, behavior, and lifestyle that contributes to long-term weight gain. The result is a practical and informative guide that encourages readers to better understand the root causes of obesity while providing realistic strategies for achieving lasting health.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its ability to translate complex scientific concepts into practical guidance. By discussing topics such as epigenetics, environmental influences, and metabolic health in an accessible way, Dr. Lonky helps readers appreciate why sustainable weight management requires a broader perspective than traditional dieting alone. The combination of scientific evidence, clinical experience, and actionable recommendations makes the book both educational and empowering.

What makes Outsmarting Obesity particularly valuable is its focus on long-term health rather than quick fixes. Instead of promoting temporary solutions, the book encourages readers to make informed lifestyle decisions that support lasting physical and emotional wellbeing. It is a valuable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of obesity and a more sustainable path toward improved health.
178 reviews5 followers
December 5, 2024
While I am no expert, I found Dr. Lonky’s book to be highly engaging and encouraging. He does cover the importance of diet and exercise while fully acknowledging that there are so many additional factors that go into someone becoming obese. These are covered in solid detail, and I appreciated that the actionable solutions provided were not sales pitches for crappy supplements and always provided pros and cons. Some things sounded a bit out there, but he does provide avenues for further research.

His position on the “fat positivity” and “healthy at any size” movements may be controversial. He does make it clear that he is all about body positivity, and, at this point in the audiobook, it is pretty clear how bad obesity is for the body in the short and long term so the last thing he would want to do is encourage continued damage to a listener’s body. He genuinely comes across as deeply caring, but I can see readers being turned off by this.

The narrator of the book was solid, but the more complex chemical names would be easier to take notes on in print so keep that in mind. Otherwise, the audiobook was a fantastic experience.

Many thanks to Greenleaf Book Group and NetGalley for providing a copy of this audiobook for review purposes. My opinions are my own.


Profile Image for Amie.
488 reviews7 followers
December 5, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up. I listened to the audiobook copy. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

The chapter on food lobbies and politicians bought by the food lobbies (spoiler: it’s both parties in the US) was interesting.

The rest of the book contained a lot of information I’ve heard before from other sources. Since I listened to the audio, I’m not sure if the printed book has a list of sources for all the claims, but hopefully it does.

Overall the point of this book is that there are numerous factors that lead to obesity and it is not as simple as just telling someone to eat healthy and exercise. Losing weight and keeping it off is a complex and arduous undertaking for many people and it involves changing a lot about the American lifestyle but also learning that maybe you can’t have your cake and eat it too if cake is a trigger for you to overeat. In other word, some foods you should quit.

I think a good follow up to this book would be a journal with a self evaluation of things that people are currently doing and eating that are inhibiting their weightloss and also a guide for what to eat and how to exercise for success.
Profile Image for Saloni Porwal.
564 reviews8 followers
September 12, 2025
This is an interesting book solely discussing obesity and everything around it. I am impressed by the detailed research, however, a lot of it pertains only to the USA. A lot of things in the book aren't very relevant to the average reader such as the nitty gritty of epigenetics. It is very obvious that with lifestyle, diet and disease, there are many things where the causes are not explained. I like that the author points out the shortcomings of studies in accurately understanding obesity, but in a lot of areas, there is overexplaining of x doesn't work, and y doesn't have enough evidence to support it. Nothing is one size fits all, so why write a book aimed at a large reader audience. I started this book 8 months ago and finally got to finishing it now, so I wouldn't say it's written in the most engaging manner either. If you're going to get this, I'd recommend a physical/ebook format for annotations because it's much harder on audio.
1,537 reviews11 followers
November 19, 2024
Outsmarting Obesity: A Doctor Reveals Why We Gain Weight, Why It Matters, and What We Can Do About It by Stewart Lonky is an interesting look at a significant problem. The author goes about defining the problem and why nothing has worked so far. Then, he details his own plan to fix it. While readers might personally benefit from this book, I think the target audience is really practitioners and policymakers. Many of the problems he mentions are systemic and difficult to fix on your own. Still, there are many practical lifestyle changes that would be beneficial from this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Andrea Wenger.
Author 4 books44 followers
November 29, 2024
This book offers a clear explanation of the science behind a groundbreaking approach to obesity, exploring how epigenetics, our environment, and harmful behaviors contribute to this widespread health crisis.

I like this book’s scientific and holistic approach. It’s technical but readable. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Elle.
103 reviews4 followers
December 25, 2024
The information was presented in a digestible way, which was good and kept the audio engaging. However, there wasn't much new information and some of the advice, especially with natural/organic products, really isn't easy to follow for the average person. Also, I found the parts about glorifying obesity unnecessary and the author's own self-serving rant rather than helpful.

Thank you to Greenleaf Book Group for the ARC.
Profile Image for Sasha.
262 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2025
There was some good information in this book. I feel like parts of it were extra informational, and it would have probably helped if I had the physical book to reference on specific topics. A couple sections went right over my head, but I will probably understand it better if I marinate in my thoughts, imple ent a few things in my life, and then listen to it again.

I did enjoy the real life examples that Talley included to grasp the concepts a bit better.
Profile Image for Sarah Buron.
510 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2024
I’m always interested in books pertaining to health & wellness, although this one was a bit of information overload for my taste. Because of that, it was a little tough to digest the info in a way that would stick with me. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review – pub day is 9/10/24!
Profile Image for Barrie Mac.
1,810 reviews173 followers
September 12, 2024
I found this book informative and interesting. Stories of people Dr. Lonky sees makes readers realize that they are not alone. It was a lot of information and overwhelming, and something I will have to re-read to keep remembering and learning. Overall, great information with steps to improve health.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read.
Profile Image for Megan Rang.
1,143 reviews15 followers
January 18, 2025
*****I received this audiobook free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

With so many Americans this book is very informative. Many of the suggestions are items I have known. Some of the facts and statistics were new information to me. It did have some good ideas. It was worth the read.
658 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. The book has some good pointers and tips on how to overcome obesity and get into better shape. It’s crazy how even every day things can affect your health.
Profile Image for tals.
265 reviews8 followers
December 1, 2024
I listened to the audio version of this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it, usually with these types of books I find my focus lacks but this wasn’t the case, I found the author to be extremely knowledgeable & offered a different perspective on obesity.
Profile Image for Summer Sayre.
155 reviews131 followers
November 29, 2024
I listened to an audiobook version of this courtesy of Netgalley and really enjoyed it! I'm always looking for books that I can listen to while at the gym/in the car/while doing chores that cause me to think about health, and therefore make better decisions. I also have many overweight family members that are looking for solutions to various health issues and chronic pain, so I thought this might have some good insight. It definitely offered a great look into how this systemically happened to us as human beings, and how we can do things for ourselves, but we also need to work to solve this problem as a whole together if we want a long-term, healthy solution. It caused me to take a look at things like my coffee creamer that had tons of seed oils and things that are just not good for my heart, for instance, if consumed in excess. I created my own coffee creamer recipe after reading this, and I know I'll do the same with so many other items I consume. The audio was great, easy to listen to, and I may buy this book once it comes out for a few people!
Profile Image for Jaime.
1,808 reviews312 followers
September 13, 2024
🔸The Lie ➡️ If a person is overweight or obese they simply eat too much and don’t exercise.
🔸The Lie ➡️ Obesity is a disease of lazy people.
⁉️How many times have you either heard this or been told this … how many times have you looked at a morbidly obese person and immediately thought of them as “lesser” individuals? How many times have you been talked down to and shamed about your weight by the healthcare professionals who you are seeking help from? You are not alone.

“Outsmarting Obesity” by Dr. Stewart Lonky is a book that breaks down why some people continually struggle with their weight no matter how they change eating habits and/or exercise habits. Sometimes the battle with weight never ends and while healthcare is focused on treating disease obesity has forever been thought of as a “lazy slovenly person syndrome” only impacting those who “deserve” to be overweight because they “must eat everything in sight.” Those have been the thoughts of society and medicine for decades — now however there is finally a branch of medicine that focuses on obesity as the disease it is — bariatric medicine. Not only is obesity a disease it is also directly related to multiple chronic illnesses including Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, heart disease, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and secondary liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, sleep apnea, Alzheimer’s Disease, neuropathy, stroke, vitamin D Deficiency, cancers, chronic pain, Lumbar Spine Stenosis, Herniated Spinal Disc’s, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, migraine disorder, fibromyalgia, and mental health disorders such as major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety. If this does not convince you that obesity is a serious medical condition then I am not sure what will … this book would be a great start to educating oneself and beginning to understand the multi faceted aspects of obesity.

Who is the author who is brave enough to challenge mainstream misconceptions and misinformation regarding obesity? Dr. Stewart Lonky is no stranger to challenging established beliefs about obesity. With his wealth of experience and expertise, he has dedicated years to unraveling obesity’s origins, causes, cures, and prevention. In “Outsmarting Obesity,” he peels back the layers of this epidemic to reveal the true drivers behind extreme weight gain. Despite countless solutions proposed over the past four decades, none have successfully reversed this alarming trend. Simply telling people to “eat less and exercise more” falls short of addressing a problem of obesity’s scope and scale.

I believe everyone should read this book. If you are not overweight or obese then it’s almost guaranteed that you will know one or more people who do have obesity. We as a society have a responsibility to stop shaming others, learn about obesity, and do what we can to work together in treating and preventing obesity.


📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this #book from the author/publisher via #Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher/author for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄
⭐️When possible reviews are cross-posted on the following:
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Profile Image for J Kromrie.
2,689 reviews54 followers
October 9, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Dr. Stewart Lonky’s “Outsmarting Obesity” is a timely and insightful exploration into one of the most pressing health issues of our time. With a blend of scientific rigor, clinical experience, and practical advice, Lonky offers readers a comprehensive guide to understanding and combating obesity.

Lonky begins by explaining the science behind weight gain, making complex concepts accessible to a general audience. The latter part of the book is dedicated to actionable strategies for weight management, providing readers with tools to make lasting changes.

“Outsmarting Obesity” tackles themes of health, empowerment, and resilience. onky’s message is clear: overcoming obesity is not just about losing weight, but about gaining a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Lonky’s writing is clear, engaging, and informative. He has a knack for breaking down complex scientific information into digestible pieces without oversimplifying. His tone is empathetic and encouraging, making readers feel supported in their journey towards better health. The inclusion of real-life case studies and practical tips adds a personal touch that enhances the overall readability of the book.

"Outsmarting Obesity” is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the intricacies of weight gain and the steps they can take to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Stewart Lonky provides a well-rounded perspective that combines scientific knowledge with practical advice, making this book a valuable resource for individuals and healthcare professionals.

Dr. Stewart Lonky’s “Outsmarting Obesity” is a comprehensive and compassionate guide that empowers readers to take control of their health.

Highly recommended for anyone seeking to understand and address the complex issue of obesity.
1,084 reviews
November 24, 2024
I was hopeful that this audio book would reveal some new information but I was mostly disappointed. If you’re a reader who really enjoys biochemistry, you will probably get more out of the research findings than I did. That part was just boring and over my head (and I took biochemistry in college and worked in healthcare). Anyway, I think that if this book was in a format other than audio, the reader could read slowly and take notes if so inclined. But the book does have some merit - the author reiterates practical advice for weight loss but nothing really new here. I appreciate his stance on fat-shaming not being OK but he doesn’t believe that any size body can be a healthy body and his research backs this up. The practical advice was a nice refresher for me. I did have a couple of problems with some passages in the book. The first is not the author’s fault but he cited a study that indicated that mothers can cause childhood obesity. How about fathers with unhealthy habits? The study seems biased to me. My second issue is that the author dismissed supplements and detox programs (and I don’t necessarily disagree with this opinion) but then immediately went on to promote one particular detox supplement. Just seemed incongruent to me. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend taking any time on this audiobook.
Profile Image for Cameron Charping.
525 reviews12 followers
December 30, 2024
This was very informative. Being in the medical field, I was curious how they would present the medical/scientific side of obesity and the mental/social side. I would recommend this for anyone interested in understanding obesity. There was a good balance of what is beneficial but may not be for everyone. I believe life is about balance. While I struggle with balancing my stress with healthy habits, I appreciated the variety of tips this book included. The author is good about giving a lot of detail. There are many medical options discussed while encouraging to discuss with the reader’s physician prior to trying anything mentioned.

Thank you to @netgalley @greenleafbookgr and Stewart Lonky for the opportunity to listen to the advanced audio copy. #outsmartingobesity #netgalley
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