The Secret Life of Fat: The Science Behind the Body’s Least Understood Organ and What It Means for You

Finally, a book that sheds some light on understanding body fat—specifically, its role, why it is so difficult to fight, and how it works differently for different people. This debut book by biochemist Tara takes a hot topic and explores every avenue regarding the causes of obesity: genetics, microbes, lifestyle, race, gender, and so on. Although an incredible $60 billion was spent in the U.S. in 2014 battling fat, Tara posits that fat is actually a critical organ with an essential role to play in the endocrine system. She frankly describes her own struggles with weight, which led her to realize “we are not all created equal, at least when it comes to fat.” Peppered with individual case studies, the book meticulously explains why fat isn’t “one size fits all,” particularly in terms of dieting. Tara recommends persistence as the main tool for dieters, combined with a diet “customized for you biologically, psychologically, and socially.” This genuinely enlightening book will be a revelation to those engulfed in self-blame and shame about their weight. Hopefully, individualized weight loss will become the way of the future, leading to effective new treatments for those desperately seeking them. (Dec.)