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Big Problems: A Former Fat Guy's Look at Why We're Getting Fatter and What You Can Do to Fix It
A smart, funny dive into the weight-loss industry, from a journalist on a quest to master healthy living
Like many of us, Andy Boyle struggled with his weight all his life. But it wasn't until one fateful pants-splitting incident that he realized he really ought to do something about it. Since then he has lost the weight. And put it back on. And lost it again. As he fumbled through his weight-loss journey, Andy learned the hard way that there's a difference between real, effective methods and the crap that big businesses are trying to sell you.
In Big Problems, Andy explores the reasons why we've gotten fat in the first place as well as real ways to lose those extra pounds. Through interviews with health experts, doctors, runners, bodybuilders and more, he unpacks the truths hidden beneath the hype, including:
- Are superfoods really all that super?
- Why the heck are you so hungry all the time?
- Is it better to go for a run or lift weights?
- Does dieting work? (Spoiler alert: No)
While he is by no means an expert, Andy Boyle's hands-on experience and insightful research cuts through the bullshit and gives it to you straight. This funny and useful book will have you lacing up your workout shoes and saying "no" to that second beer. (Well, maybe sometimes...)
Like many of us, Andy Boyle struggled with his weight all his life. But it wasn't until one fateful pants-splitting incident that he realized he really ought to do something about it. Since then he has lost the weight. And put it back on. And lost it again. As he fumbled through his weight-loss journey, Andy learned the hard way that there's a difference between real, effective methods and the crap that big businesses are trying to sell you.
In Big Problems, Andy explores the reasons why we've gotten fat in the first place as well as real ways to lose those extra pounds. Through interviews with health experts, doctors, runners, bodybuilders and more, he unpacks the truths hidden beneath the hype, including:
- Are superfoods really all that super?
- Why the heck are you so hungry all the time?
- Is it better to go for a run or lift weights?
- Does dieting work? (Spoiler alert: No)
While he is by no means an expert, Andy Boyle's hands-on experience and insightful research cuts through the bullshit and gives it to you straight. This funny and useful book will have you lacing up your workout shoes and saying "no" to that second beer. (Well, maybe sometimes...)
272 pages, Paperback
Published March 31, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 28, 2021
Overall, a good read and a different kind of fitness book. It was refreshing to read something from someone who actually struggles with weight and has realistic goals, especially debunking the body image goals we are brainwashed into thinking are real on TV, in most fitness books, and social media. I really liked the part where he refutes stereotypes about people who are overweight or obese, e.g., that they're lazy, gorge themselves, don't exercise, etc.
The only things I didn't love were the calorie counting part (good idea, but if you cook at home and don't eat processed foods, this is incredibly hard to do), some of the long specific sections on his own experiences (interesting, but hard to apply), and the lack of a specific idea on what one's target weight should be. Granted, maybe that was the point. That the goal should be health over a number.
The only things I didn't love were the calorie counting part (good idea, but if you cook at home and don't eat processed foods, this is incredibly hard to do), some of the long specific sections on his own experiences (interesting, but hard to apply), and the lack of a specific idea on what one's target weight should be. Granted, maybe that was the point. That the goal should be health over a number.
August 2, 2020
Andy Boyle is a great writer - lots of humor combined with facts in this book. Nothing condescending or patronizing in this book - very approachable. Kudos.
February 25, 2022
Really like this book and from his point of view. Would recommend it to anyone trying to lose weight and starting to lift weights.👍💪
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews