Syndrome W: A Woman's Guide to Reversing Midlife Weight Gain

Any weight loss plan that warns readers their doctor may resist administering treatment intrinsic to its success raises questions about the plan's credibility. And so it goes for this book, written for middle-age women who exercise, eat "right" and still can't lose weight. Medical doctor Mogul says the key lies in a frequently undiagnosed metabolic abnormality characterized by high insulin–low sugar levels, increased cholesterol and "white coat hypertension" (blood pressure that rises in the doctor's office). The solution: a "moderately low carbohydrate diet" (recipes included), eating smaller portions and exercising, as well as the "off-label" use of Metformin, a prescription medication for Type II diabetes. In a somewhat chaotic writing style, Mogul suggests that not following her plan is a fast track to "Syndrome X," a forerunner to heart disease. Unfortunately, links between Syndrome W and Syndrome X are purely alphabetical. No major research validates the connection or establishes that Metformin is helpful when sugar levels are normal. Mogul has published small studies on this topic and may have a treatment appropriate for a subgroup of women. But as a mass market solution, it's bound to disappoint. (Sept.)