YOU: On A Diet Revised Edition: The Owner's Manual for Waist Management

Edited 2 Sept. 2015 (see below):

I'll never be the same again. And that's good.

I spent 47 years struggling to gain or maintain weight, then I was diagnosed with celiac disease and, within a couple of years, had packed on 40 pounds . . . 20 to 30 more than I needed. I had absolutely no experience eating a reasonable amount and absolutely no idea how to lose weight and keep it off. Throw in menopause, and suddenly, I had a weight -- and a shape -- problem. After struggling with all the things I'd always thought were necessary to lose weight and maintain the loss, I knew I needed help. I ordered this book and began reading it.

Suddenly, I understood why my obese sister proclaims, "Diets don't work." They don't. I'm not close to finishing this book. In fact, I haven't even read to the eating and exercise plan, yet I have already lost an inch from my waist from gaining a better understanding of what my body does with food and by taking the few little suggestions mentioned thus far in the book. I bought a second copy for my husband, who, according to the authors, only needs to lose about an inch in his waist, so he could read it and be an informed cheerleader/buddy for me. (You need these, but don't worry if you don't have any as the authors will tell you where to find some online.) I am recommending it to just about everyone I know, including those who don't need to lose weight but who do carry increased risks of Alzheimer's disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, premature aging, and just about any other ailment. Because, despite the title, it isn't about dieting. It's about resetting your own body to be the shape and weight it was designed to be and to work for you rather than against you. In the process, you will improve just about every aspect of your health.

The book is actually fun to read. The style is casual, conversational, with plenty of humor to keep readers hooked. Parts of it are laugh-out-loud irreverently funny -- not at all the formal physician-speak of my childhood.

I'm perplexed by the reviewers who claim the book offers nothing new. It is a radically different approach to health, including waist (rather than weight) management. I taught aerobics classes for years, and this book definitely includes some new information as well as new approaches to much of the traditional belief and thinking involving fitness and dieting. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't benefit from reading it.

The book is pricey, in all formats. For this reason, I purchased used hardback editions for myself and my husband. I got nearly pristine copies, so someone's lose was my gain. I mean, loss. Gainful loss!

UPDATED July 2015: I have since lost 30 pounds and more than 4 inches from my waist. My physicians say I am now the perfect size for my frame. Even better, I'm keeping the weight off. I haven't done the yo-yo thing. I never really bothered with the suggested menus, as I have so many food allergies/intolerances, but learning how my body uses and responds to different kinds of foods gave me all the information I needed to lose the weight and regain my hourglass figure. I couldn't be happier.

UPDATED September 2015: I'm still keeping the weight off. In fact, I lost a few extra pounds before spending three weeks away from home expecting to gain some back while I was gone. I returned from the trip the same weight as when I left. I dug out my "before" measurements today and compared them to "after" -- and I'm thrilled. I'm not so thin that anyone can count my ribs or vertebrae, yet the definition of my rib cage does show. I've made the rounds of all my physicians now, and they are all thrilled with my size and shape, or body conditioning.

Haven't had a chance to read it yet, but it arrived quickly and in perfect condition.

Actually I really liked the book and I refer to it often. I found that it provides information that would normally not be found in other books. I also felt it provides healthy options to assist in weight loss and healthy eating. Unfortunately, I did not pick up on the errors as I don't know enough to be able to identify them.

Still reading this

Would order again

The book is very boring. I might have learned something if I could have finished it.

One of the cheesiest books I've read in a while, but I like that they simply explain the science behind nutrition and exercise and easy ways to implement it. It's nice for a beginner, and would be a good bathroom book.

This book contains very useful information about how the digestive system functions. Also explains what we can do to help our bodies to loose weight and gives many tips about very healthy food.

Lots of good content but much, much too long.

Is this the author's choice or the publisher's?

Are they selling paper or content?

I got this book for my daughter as a gift. She heard that it was a very good book. So far seems very happy with it.