The Fat of the Land: The Obesity Epidemic and How Overweight Americans Can Help Themselves

Those familiar with Fumento's previous two books (Science Under Siege and The Myth of Heterosexual AIDS) know that this medical journalist has a knack for debunking popular beliefs and revealing the true state of things. While this candid approach has incited controversy before, the author's tone here is too likable to provoke the ire even of those groups he is most critical of: the food manufacturers that flood the market with low-fat (but highly caloric and sugar-laden) snacks, the pro-obesity groups that deny the serious health risks associated with excess body weight and the expensive diet books and programs that are little more than modern-day quackery. It's hard to doubt the author's conclusions; not only has he examined most of the studies, but he has even used himself as the guinea pig in experiments with various weight-control methods. Fumento has maintained a 25-pound weight loss by practicing the commonsense plan he ultimately preaches: get plenty of exercise, eat only when hungry and maintain a high-fiber diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fumento is a rational man, but that doesn't mean he's dry. In fact, he's a sharp and witty writer who isn't afraid to joke around: ""Many of us, including your humble author, know what it's like to eat six or eight cookies in short order.... Have you ever tried to eat six bananas or pears in one sitting?"" Major ad/promo; author tour. (Sept.)