Fat Science: Why Diets and Exercise Don’t Work - and What Does

by Robyn Toomath

Science tells us that our own efforts - following diets, heading to the gym or taking some new pills - are defeated again and again by our genes. Drawing on the latest research and twenty years of working with overweight patients, this short and punchy book dispels myths and tells the tough truths about our obesity epidemic. Does dieting work? (No.) Is exercise the answer? (No.) Can we change our genes? (Unfortunately not.) How about pills and surgery? (Sometimes, but we can’t operate on everyone.) Why are the rich thinner than the poor? (You’ll find out.) Toomath shows how our modern world is making us fat. And while governments and individuals keep trying things that science shows do not work - from dieting to education campaigns - she outlines what just might make a difference in ending the obesity epidemic. A thousand books will tell you how to get thin. It looks like they haven’t worked. We just keep getting fatter. Fat Science - a small book about one of our biggest problems - can change that.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 18, 2016

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't quite finished but I gave it away to somebody whose need was greater than mine.

This is my work, the reason I get out of bed. It's what I do...... So there were no surprises nothing new to glean. However for those who are not like me I highly recommend it.

Great research, nice personnel stuff, well written and very necessary - hats off Robyn.

There are at least three references that have made it into my own study. A sentinel piece in our fight against the manufactures of what is slowly killing us. As well as advocating for many who are maligned for that which is not entirely of their own doing but deal with the ignorance daily.

Bravo.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This woman missed her calling as a comedian.

There is not a comma shortage, please, use them.

This is such an excellent book. It's not dense, but all the issues are touched on except, weirdly, the LCHF diet and Keto. I agree with everything she says, barring crackdowns on healthy fats in foods and lenient measures of dealing with companies who sell sugar. The references are extensive and books are mentioned for further reading.

* People are getting fatter
* It's not their fault
* Food is getting worse
* Diets don't work
* Drugs aren't really great
* Surgery works but it's ridiculous
* The corporations are kind of to blame
* The government should probly do sth
* Everyone should really take responsibility

(I found a diet that works to kill hunger so there.)

It's weird how upbeat these people are, writing books full of horrific history and pessimistic predictions.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and interesting using current (to 2016 anyway) worldwide examples regarding obesity.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I have to say, it's a small, and unimposing book but so up my alley and so much is SO TRUE. Most books I have read on dieting has been only partially on my side of thinking, but this one says it all. I am really happy I read this book and recommend it to anyone out there wanting to read more on the obesity epidemic. Other than being biased as it is written by a fellow Kiwi (even if she is a baby boomer) Robyn looks at the obesity epidemic from all angles, looking at the history of weight gain to the history of food and how it has changed in the past 100 years. Easy to read without too much technical humdrum with a few smiles and some very interesting up to date facts. Although still ends with a daunting task of the realities of the fight ahead, when it comes to weight loss, my adage is along the same lines as Robyn's - eat healthy and be kind to yourself. We are all obsessed with our weight when we should be looking at why we aren't just healthy.