Reboot Your Body: Unlocking the Genetic Secrets to Permanent Weight Loss

Personal trainer and health coach Brown opens her book with the statement that "obesity is all in your head." Her underlying thesis is that creating new "neural pathways" in the brain by developing new habits of thought and behavior around diet and exercise is the key to lasting weight loss. What follows is a well-constructed manual, like a coach in book form, to understanding the psychology (which is different for each person) behind overeating and under-exercising, and adjusting diet and activity to lose large amounts of weight slowly. Both practical and well-researched, the book is realistic (only about 20% of dieters who lose a considerable amount of weight can maintain the loss for more than a year) yet optimistic. Each chapter contains written exercises and "character studies" demonstrating how clients have interpreted them. Brown begins by telling readers how to analyze their diets and come up with desirable changes, then does the same for physical activity. Chapters on handling "weight-loss plateaus" and maintaining a specific weight are also helpful. Encouraging without being prescriptive, the book does not tout any one diet or exercise regime. The focus is on tackling obesity, but those interested in losing smaller amounts of weight will also find Brown's suggestions helpful. An essential companion to lifestyle change. (Aug.)