Lean and Mean: A No H

It's no secret that most weight-loss books are written with women in mind. But American men--some 25 million of whom are clinically obese, according to government statistics--also need help. And since their habits may differ from women's, what works for women may not work for them. Shaevitz, a psychologist who treats people with eating disorders at the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation in La Jolla, Calif., offers a well-written, no-nonsense approach to eating and behavior modification that can lead to permanent weight loss for males. He provides only a few rules, all sensible: significantly decreasing dietary fats; avoiding alcohol while dieting; exercising 45 minutes to an hour, six days a week; and kicking the habit of eating just because of trying circumstances. Then he outlines strategies to help readers lose the necessary weight. He also makes suggestions for women (spouses, mothers, sisters, daughters) who want to encourage their men to lose weight and keep it off. And although the book is written for men, women wanting to lose weight may find its advice more beneficial--and less condescending--than that found in books written especially for them. (Feb.)