What do you think?
Rate this book
Winning by Losing: Drop the Weight, Change Your Life
Drop the weight and change your life with Jillian Michaels’ Winning by Losing. The fitness expert on the smash hit NBC TV show “The Biggest Loser” and “Losing It,” Jillian offers her unique, comprehensive, no-nonsense health and fitness program that can help anyone lose unwanted pounds and keep them off. Losing never felt so good!
272 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2005
108 people are currently reading
545 people want to read
About the author
Jillian Michaels
21 books281 followersJillian Michaels is an American fitness trainer, nutritionist, businesswoman, media personality, and author known for her influential role in mainstream health and wellness. She rose to prominence as a trainer on the NBC reality series The Biggest Loser, where her direct, motivational style became a defining feature of the program. Before entering television, she developed her expertise across multiple training disciplines including kickboxing, yoga, Pilates, plyometrics, and weight training, later becoming a certified nutrition and wellness consultant. Michaels built a broader platform through bestselling books, fitness programs, and digital media, including the award-winning Jillian Michaels: The Fitness App and her long-running podcast Keeping It Real. She launched her company Empowered Media and the streaming fitness service FitFusion, expanding her reach across broadcast, online, and on-demand platforms globally. Her work emphasizes sustainable health, mental resilience, and accessible fitness education. Michaels also supports a number of charitable causes focused on health, children, and humanitarian relief, and continues to serve as a prominent public advocate for personal well-being and empowerment.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
July 14, 2008
Much of the information in this book is available elsewhere in plenty of bodybuilding/weight loss books. But there are a few things that stand out:
1. The tone of the book. No b.s. She tells it to you straight. Yet she's kind as well. She shares her own weight struggles when she was a teenager.
2. The metabolic type. The theory she follows is that every person converts food to energy differently, so it's essential to know how your body processes fats, proteins and carbohydrates. There are 3 metabolic types: fast oxidizers, slow oxidizers and balanced oxidizers.
3. The sample workout. Yes, other books have sample workouts, but hers is 12 weeks long, and rather than concentrating solely on weight lifting, she takes the circuit-training approach, so you can get your cardio in at the same time. She breaks it down into mini-circuits, performing 2 exercises back to back until you finish all of the sets, then moving to the next circuit.
1. The tone of the book. No b.s. She tells it to you straight. Yet she's kind as well. She shares her own weight struggles when she was a teenager.
2. The metabolic type. The theory she follows is that every person converts food to energy differently, so it's essential to know how your body processes fats, proteins and carbohydrates. There are 3 metabolic types: fast oxidizers, slow oxidizers and balanced oxidizers.
3. The sample workout. Yes, other books have sample workouts, but hers is 12 weeks long, and rather than concentrating solely on weight lifting, she takes the circuit-training approach, so you can get your cardio in at the same time. She breaks it down into mini-circuits, performing 2 exercises back to back until you finish all of the sets, then moving to the next circuit.
February 13, 2020
I read this book more than twice for so many reasons,one of them it is loaded with so many informations about foods groups and workouts.
The book is divided into three sections:
First about food : Carbs, proteins and fats etc.
Second about Metabolism , essential vitamins ,useful recipes and how to cook healthy at home.
Third and last section about workouts and exercise index.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to stay in shape.
The book is divided into three sections:
First about food : Carbs, proteins and fats etc.
Second about Metabolism , essential vitamins ,useful recipes and how to cook healthy at home.
Third and last section about workouts and exercise index.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to stay in shape.
June 17, 2024
I found her writing about motivation, will power, self talk and emotional eating very straightforward and pertinent.
The strength training section was a bit complicated for me and mostly beyond my comfort level, but I still found parts of it useful to better understand high and low intensity training and calorie burning.
She writes very clearly and directly and is not preachy.
A quick and simple read.
The strength training section was a bit complicated for me and mostly beyond my comfort level, but I still found parts of it useful to better understand high and low intensity training and calorie burning.
She writes very clearly and directly and is not preachy.
A quick and simple read.
April 26, 2008
Since I've been into The Biggest Loser this season, wanted to check out the books. It's pretty good, though I don't agree with all her diet advice (heavy on artificial sweetners and some odd substitutions). I really like her view on weight loss surgery being barbaric. Nowadays, gastric bypass is pushed like it's a magic cure, even though it has a relatively high mortality rate. I was especially interested in the exercise section-- good pictures of weight training exercises that seem actually doable.
All in all, a practical book that combines Jillian's qualities of toughness with a nurturing/understanding core.
All in all, a practical book that combines Jillian's qualities of toughness with a nurturing/understanding core.
September 23, 2021
I really appreciated the first section on the psychological aspects of weight loss, because it really broke down some stuff I've been struggling with in my own life. I found that very helpful.
I'm not sure about the section in which she breaks down different ways in which people process energy: it feels like the same old three-body-types stuff with a fresh coat of paint and there's not a lot of evidence for it.
The third section is on exercise and seems totally fine.
That said, I think this book could be really motivating to the right person and, as mentioned, I found the first section really helpful in a way that is often overlooked (IMO).
I'm not sure about the section in which she breaks down different ways in which people process energy: it feels like the same old three-body-types stuff with a fresh coat of paint and there's not a lot of evidence for it.
The third section is on exercise and seems totally fine.
That said, I think this book could be really motivating to the right person and, as mentioned, I found the first section really helpful in a way that is often overlooked (IMO).
May 6, 2019
Jillian writes with compassion, candidness, and conviction to help you reach your goals. I've liked her since I was a teenager watching "The Biggest Loser." I can hear her talking through the book, and Jillian is all about accountability but expresses it with complete earnesty not condescension. She evens debunks common fitness and health myths floating around the internet. Although there is a lot of information available online, it helps to have a centered source like Jillian (and someone I admire) to deliver that message.
April 15, 2018
Good For Beginners
It was a good book but it was nothing I hadn't read before. I liked how she explained things in detail but those same things could easily overwhelm a person and cause them not to finish the book. I do really think a beginner could benefit from the information in the book but she doesn't offer any quick fix either. She is aiming for a decent loss, nothing crazy like on the tv shows so if that was what you were hoping for, this isn't the book.
It was a good book but it was nothing I hadn't read before. I liked how she explained things in detail but those same things could easily overwhelm a person and cause them not to finish the book. I do really think a beginner could benefit from the information in the book but she doesn't offer any quick fix either. She is aiming for a decent loss, nothing crazy like on the tv shows so if that was what you were hoping for, this isn't the book.
October 20, 2017
Not a bad book. Mostly already information that I knew/had read previously, but presented in a positive way that makes you want to succeed. A small handful of recipes, lots of exercises that require little or no equipment, and a lot on behavioral changes. Overall, worth the $0.99 I paid for it.
September 15, 2018
I only bough this book because I am a huge fan and admirer of Jillian Michaels. I own every DVD and book she released. I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though I was not on a weight loss journey. Jillian also provides life long maintenance lessons. Jillian always has a powerful yet compassionate and nurturing way to inspire me!
October 4, 2017
Lots of good info
I just wish she did a menu for a day. Like have a egg, toast. fruit for breakfast....how much and what each meal
I just wish she did a menu for a day. Like have a egg, toast. fruit for breakfast....how much and what each meal
July 29, 2025
Very informative!
October 25, 2020
This is better than Jillian's other book on weight loss, Making the Cut, but for Jillian's most comprehensive book on lifestyle changes, Master Your Metabolism still remains king.
The book is divided into three parts - Self, Science and Sweat. First, Jillian wants you to take a long hard look at yourself in the mirror to understand what led to you being in your current state. Next, the science part, which is the highlight of the book, explains the basic fundamentals of calories in, calories out, and also contains information about the Glycemic Load of food. I found this to be the most useful part of the book and consulting this chapter is the key to eating a satiating diet. After that, Sweat details a fitness program using resistance training and provides a sample 12 week program for exercises. While there are photos to illustrate correct form for some exercises, I think that Audio-Visual guidance is still far superior for ensuring that you perform the exercises safely and correctly.
This book is best for people who are complete beginners to weight loss, but if you had to pick only one book, I would still recommend Master Your Metabolism above anything else for the most detailed information to overall health and weight loss success.
The book is divided into three parts - Self, Science and Sweat. First, Jillian wants you to take a long hard look at yourself in the mirror to understand what led to you being in your current state. Next, the science part, which is the highlight of the book, explains the basic fundamentals of calories in, calories out, and also contains information about the Glycemic Load of food. I found this to be the most useful part of the book and consulting this chapter is the key to eating a satiating diet. After that, Sweat details a fitness program using resistance training and provides a sample 12 week program for exercises. While there are photos to illustrate correct form for some exercises, I think that Audio-Visual guidance is still far superior for ensuring that you perform the exercises safely and correctly.
This book is best for people who are complete beginners to weight loss, but if you had to pick only one book, I would still recommend Master Your Metabolism above anything else for the most detailed information to overall health and weight loss success.
June 5, 2011
A great resource from famous trainer Jillian Michaels about starting a diet and sticking with it. This book takes you through the mental and physical aspects of dieting, providing full support for those of you who are just starting out. Some of my favorite things about this book were:
a) The math components. Jillian makes losing weight seem just like a mathematical equation which I like because to me, dieting should be black and white. Eat right/workout = lose weight. Jillian helps you figure out how many calories your body burns on a typical day and how many calories you need to eliminate from your diet in order to lose 1 or 2 pounds a week.
b) Learning about nutrition. Jillian takes you through a typical Nutrition Facts chart on a food item and shows you what to look for, including calories, fat, carbs, protein, sodium, and fiber. She shows you what good carbs and bad carbs are, why fat (even saturated fat) is good, and how much sodium is enough for a day. After reading this book I really started to take a serious look at the foods I eat and I am much more aware of what I am putting in my body which is a great feeling of power and self control.
c) Workouts. Jillian provides detailed instructions and photos of exercises for the whole body. Jillian believes in working both the muscles and heart so that your heart is pumping while you are building strength. She even gives you specific exercises to do every day for 12 weeks. I am definitely more familiar with the different muscles in the body and how to work them safely.
To conclude, I would recommend this book to those who are just starting out dieting and even those who are already dieting. For someone like me who has been dieting for over a year, I really needed the expertise of Jillian to jump start my workouts and become more aware of my metabolism and what nutrients I need to keep my body running smoothly.
a) The math components. Jillian makes losing weight seem just like a mathematical equation which I like because to me, dieting should be black and white. Eat right/workout = lose weight. Jillian helps you figure out how many calories your body burns on a typical day and how many calories you need to eliminate from your diet in order to lose 1 or 2 pounds a week.
b) Learning about nutrition. Jillian takes you through a typical Nutrition Facts chart on a food item and shows you what to look for, including calories, fat, carbs, protein, sodium, and fiber. She shows you what good carbs and bad carbs are, why fat (even saturated fat) is good, and how much sodium is enough for a day. After reading this book I really started to take a serious look at the foods I eat and I am much more aware of what I am putting in my body which is a great feeling of power and self control.
c) Workouts. Jillian provides detailed instructions and photos of exercises for the whole body. Jillian believes in working both the muscles and heart so that your heart is pumping while you are building strength. She even gives you specific exercises to do every day for 12 weeks. I am definitely more familiar with the different muscles in the body and how to work them safely.
To conclude, I would recommend this book to those who are just starting out dieting and even those who are already dieting. For someone like me who has been dieting for over a year, I really needed the expertise of Jillian to jump start my workouts and become more aware of my metabolism and what nutrients I need to keep my body running smoothly.
July 20, 2010
I watch her on TV and listen to her podcast all the time, so there is nothing in this book that I haven't heard her say already, and in at least 10 different ways on various TV shows and podcasts.
Make the commitment.
Count calories.
Workout.
Self, Science, Sweat.
She's very big on counting calories, which, I'm sure has it's virtues, but I don't like it. I also think a lot of it comes down to estimation anyway; estimates of how many calories are in what I just ate, estimates regarding how I think my body is going to metabolize something that day, estimates on how many calories I burned at the gym etc. There are so many variables to consider, and keep track of. A person could really make themselves nuts with the calorie counting, and a lot of people do. I've kept a log of my calories for a few days to get a general idea of things, but I just can't make myself do it long term. I do think that it is a realistic approach to weight loss; however, and one that works for a lot of people. I just don't particularly like it. It's true. If you want to lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit - I just don't want to do the math.
I like what she has to say about the emotional and psychological things that go into gaining and losing weight. She has some great tips too, like pouring salt on your food when you are done eating, but are still finding yourself eating more food anyway.
I think she is fantastic, and sure, I'd recommend the book - even though I am, decidedly, not a fan of counting calories.
Make the commitment.
Count calories.
Workout.
Self, Science, Sweat.
She's very big on counting calories, which, I'm sure has it's virtues, but I don't like it. I also think a lot of it comes down to estimation anyway; estimates of how many calories are in what I just ate, estimates regarding how I think my body is going to metabolize something that day, estimates on how many calories I burned at the gym etc. There are so many variables to consider, and keep track of. A person could really make themselves nuts with the calorie counting, and a lot of people do. I've kept a log of my calories for a few days to get a general idea of things, but I just can't make myself do it long term. I do think that it is a realistic approach to weight loss; however, and one that works for a lot of people. I just don't particularly like it. It's true. If you want to lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit - I just don't want to do the math.
I like what she has to say about the emotional and psychological things that go into gaining and losing weight. She has some great tips too, like pouring salt on your food when you are done eating, but are still finding yourself eating more food anyway.
I think she is fantastic, and sure, I'd recommend the book - even though I am, decidedly, not a fan of counting calories.
January 9, 2011
I enjoy watching Jillian Michaels on The Biggest Loser and Losing It with Jillian, and I often use her workout DVDs at home. I had never read any of her books before, so when I saw this one at the library, I had to pick it up. I like how the book is organized into three sections: Self, Science, and Sweat. For me the most interesting and helpful section was Self. Jillian really makes you think about your attitudes toward food and exercise and identify some of the excuses you make for not eating healthy or exercising. I like that she addresses these issues before giving recommendations on diet and exercise. The second section, Science, focuses on nutrition and figuring out what type of metabolism you have. My eyes glazed over a bit at some of the sheer amount of details in this chapter, but overall it was good advice tailored to different types of metabolisms. The final section, Sweat, focuses on anatomy and exercise. There were plenty of pictures included that demonstrated correct form for specific exercises.
Winning by Losing is a great book for anyone who wants a little motivation to get healthy by eating right and exercising.
Winning by Losing is a great book for anyone who wants a little motivation to get healthy by eating right and exercising.
May 6, 2011
Loaded with common sense advice, Jillian Michaels no-nonsense guide to weight loss is a fresh breath of air compared to all of the other weight loss book that promise quick and easy ways to lose weight (and yo-you back and forth on crash diets). She emphasizes that weight loss is about changing your mentality and your lifestyle and that losing weight and keeping it off takes work. I feel like many people would benefit from reading this book. In my weight loss experience thus far, I've had many people approach me and tell me about eliminating carbs, doing cleanses and fasts, and other misguided fad diets as effective means to lose weight quick. I think for those that need that wake up call, this is a good book, but for someone who already knows a lot about nutrition and fitness, this was a bit too elementary for me. Michaels tells provides some inspiration and practical tools (including calculating your metabolic rate, which I haven't seen in many books), but I still found that there was something to be desired.
July 29, 2011
I had been vaguely worried that when I started this one that it would be a little on the boring, hard-to-read side, but I couldn't put it down! Jillian is a great writer, and her passion for helping people change their lives and get healthy shines through and makes the book easy to read. She covers all aspects of weight loss, from avoiding negative, self-loathing thought patterns that can hinder you, to breaking down the glycemic index and explaining the difference between good fats and bad fats, to finally offering wisdom about working out. There is also an extensive index of exercises at the end of the book and an example 12-week plan to get you started. She also dispels some of the myths of weight loss and makes it seem like a much less daunting task. My favorite part is the section that covers calculating your AMR (active metabolic rate)--it explains it in such a way that it finally makes sense to me now! If you're looking to lose weight, or just trying to get started, this book will definitely help you find your way amid all of the trend diets and gimmicks out there.
March 2, 2012
I'm borrowing some Jillian books from a friend since I've started working out and often find myself at a loss for what to do. She addresses what she calls the 3 Ss: self, science, and sweat. With self, she gets at the emotions and thinking behind being overweight. While it was nice that she included such a chapter, as it's often overlooked in weight loss books, I think she should have fleshed this out a little bit more. With science, Jillian sums up some of the current science on nutrition and fitness without going into a lot of the details most people outside of her field find boring. And finally, in sweat, Jillian provides some exercises and guidance on how to formulate an effective routine.
If you are already reasonably in shape and exercising regularly, I believe she has another book targeted at you. This book, however, is targeted at people intending to lose weight, hence the title, and start making better health and fitness choices. If this is you, this book is a good choice: short, to the point without sacrificing content, and affordable.
If you are already reasonably in shape and exercising regularly, I believe she has another book targeted at you. This book, however, is targeted at people intending to lose weight, hence the title, and start making better health and fitness choices. If this is you, this book is a good choice: short, to the point without sacrificing content, and affordable.
February 3, 2010
Jillian, Jillian, Jillian... what to say...
Well, the first couple of chapters I was like YEAH! This is going to be good! Then it started to get complicated. It was like it went from optimism to you MUST do this, you MUST do this fast, and you MUST get fast results. I know the industry demands it and she is trying to put forth a full "life" program... but if I have to calculate that much every single day of the rest of my life I will vomit everywhere. So needless to say, about half way through it I was ready to chuck it out the window...
But THEN there was some redeeming qualities! All of a sudden I was provided with page after page after page of how to's on weight lifting exercises. It was actually helpful! I started to feel the positive vibe again...
And then that mouth... she couldn't help but get one last word in. It was okay. My review may be slightly tainted with my love/hate relationship with Jillian Michaels... buuuut meh. Overall, I think it was just okay.
Well, the first couple of chapters I was like YEAH! This is going to be good! Then it started to get complicated. It was like it went from optimism to you MUST do this, you MUST do this fast, and you MUST get fast results. I know the industry demands it and she is trying to put forth a full "life" program... but if I have to calculate that much every single day of the rest of my life I will vomit everywhere. So needless to say, about half way through it I was ready to chuck it out the window...
But THEN there was some redeeming qualities! All of a sudden I was provided with page after page after page of how to's on weight lifting exercises. It was actually helpful! I started to feel the positive vibe again...
And then that mouth... she couldn't help but get one last word in. It was okay. My review may be slightly tainted with my love/hate relationship with Jillian Michaels... buuuut meh. Overall, I think it was just okay.
November 9, 2013
Amazing amazing amazing book, just what you should expect out of any jillian book, full with informations, good informations that you can trust and not just myths or stuff, divided in many chapters with three main units , psychology , nutrition and exercising , I can't say it enough but A M A Z I N G. I'm setting my new diet and workout routine according to what i learned so far , it made me understand why anyone reaches plateau and how to set an effective routine with so much advices with a sweet way of telling all that anyone needs , she made me feel i'm chatting with her and she wrote this book specifically for me, thats how she writes her books, i'm so glad i decided to read this book and i will definitely read any other book by her.
February 25, 2010
I enjoyed the first few chapters of the book, which focused on the 'self' part of losing weight - such as changing your outlook and your life-style. It had some really good tips. I also found some useful information in the 'science' or dieting section. For example, Jillian provides some great suggestions on how to break through a plateau. However, the last half of the book contains a specific 12-week exercise plan, with tons of photos of certain exercises. I am sure these would be helpful for some people, but I just can't exercise out of a book.
February 2, 2011
So I haven't been a Biggest Loser fan but came across this book at the library. I skimmed most of it but the area I found most interesting and would recommend is the one about your metabolism. There is a short quiz about your eating habits and then you figure out what kind of metabolism you have and what types of food are best for your type. Hmm.. sort of interesting and helpful. I scanned the internet and there are believers and haters out there.. I am neither just curious and if you are too check out the book for your own opinion.
February 3, 2011
This was just okay for me. The first half of the book on Self and Science are good. Very little you likely didn't know before, but good reminders for those needing to get started or maintain motivation. Self is about the psychology of food, body image, etc. The Science section has a few tidbits that I found very helpful. I liked the metabolic test and it makes sense to me to personalize one's nutrition accordingly. The second half of the book is dedicated to exercise, with pictures and descriptions. It is a very quick read and inexpensive in paperback.
February 2, 2012
I loved this book. Totally informative in a fun easy to read way. Jillian Michaels puts alot of her personality in this book which makes it easier to follow, almost as if you were hearing it from a friend.
There is strong science with excellent examples in this book that make sense. Being split up into three sections this book targets all of the factors that will help you lose weight. Mind, Food and Exercise.
I would recommend this book to anyone. But as all weight loss books or workouts or diets this all comes down to you.
For me... well I guess we will see :)
There is strong science with excellent examples in this book that make sense. Being split up into three sections this book targets all of the factors that will help you lose weight. Mind, Food and Exercise.
I would recommend this book to anyone. But as all weight loss books or workouts or diets this all comes down to you.
For me... well I guess we will see :)
February 17, 2014
Although it seems geared toward folks who haven't studied much in the way of exercise technique and science, I found 'Winning by Losing' to be fairly informative. There were some things I already knew but when I finished, I walked away armed with some new knowledge. My favorite parts were the science section and the exercise index. The latter was complete with black and white photos to show you proper technique of each move.
This book is introductory but will motivate you to want to learn more.
This book is introductory but will motivate you to want to learn more.
February 14, 2008
This book is a good book for people that are either starting a workout or for those that are already knowledgeable about working out. I like that it feels as though the author is speaking directly to you. She doesn't sugar coat things and says it as it is, much the way a trainer should. It not only talks about working out but a way of life. I like how she brings together the three S's Self, Science, and Sweat. It was easy to read and I learned some stuff and overall was inspired.
March 15, 2009
lots of helpful info in this book - to the point of it occasionally reading like a text book. the science section was particularly dense. but, it really didn't feel like it was written by Jillian. had a real 'motivational speaker' feel to it, not her sarcastic tone. even the title of the book seems non-Jillian to me. the only thing that does seem Jillianish is the 'bully' t-shirt she's wearing on it. Too bad, i find her very funny on the tv show anyway.
June 2, 2013
No.
I really have a problem with this woman, who seemed to legitimately want to help people at the beginning of her fame from being a trainer on NBC's The Biggest Loser. As the years have gone on, though, she's become part of the diet industry workhorse that makes billions off of us fatties.
I got nothing useful from this book. I've come to realize that cookie cutter plans that other people create are not the key to my success. I don't recommend this book.
I really have a problem with this woman, who seemed to legitimately want to help people at the beginning of her fame from being a trainer on NBC's The Biggest Loser. As the years have gone on, though, she's become part of the diet industry workhorse that makes billions off of us fatties.
I got nothing useful from this book. I've come to realize that cookie cutter plans that other people create are not the key to my success. I don't recommend this book.
March 6, 2008
I like Jillian's in your face approach to diet and exercise and actually acknowledges that there is an individual approach to losing weight, and that no correct way will work for everyone. There ARE ways to adapt fitness to your specific body type and this is what I found to be most helpful about this book.
March 26, 2010
Jillian's such a bad@ss. Her arguments and urgings her are rational, accessible, and honest. Her writing's are easy, but not at all dry, for the everyday person and come across as intelligent and educated. Her plan's straightforward. I'm reading "Master Your Metabolism," and I'm liking it even better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews