This straightforward, kindly volume provides a logical discussion of weight loss and the steps required to achieve and sustain it. Rippe (Heart Disease for Dummies
), founder of the Rippe Lifestyle Institute (a nutrition, exercise and medical research organization), shares his own stories of weight gain and loss in the book's introduction, then spends the following 10 chapters breaking down what he identifies as the most popular weight-loss myths (e.g., "you can't lose weight and keep it off"; "you can lose weight with exercise alone"; "calories don't matter—avoid fats or carbs to lose weight successfully"; "you can boost your metabolism by what, how, and when you eat"). Each chapter includes an explanation of a myth and the kernels of truth and valid research that led to its perpetuation. Of course, the underlying basis for the book is that the way to achieve lasting, healthy weight loss is to follow the Weight Watchers method, and Rippe includes personal triumph stories from followers of that program. That quibble aside, a list of levelheaded suggestions (such as "Identify your five temptation foods. Develop specific strategies for dealing with them in a way that will reinforce learning the skill of flexible restraint") do clear away much of the confusion surrounding weight loss. (Jan.)
