cover image Keeping It Off: Winning at Weight Loss

Keeping It Off: Winning at Weight Loss

Robert Colvin, Geoffrey Colvin, Susan C. Olson. Simon & Schuster, $16.45 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-671-53294-9

Colvin and Olson contend and few would disagreethat the most difficult part of dieting is keeping weight off. The authors, who have conducted weight-loss programs, interviewed hundreds of dieters who have lost 20 pounds or more, and have retained their new weight for at least six years; here, they present case histories of these ""winners'' and explore attitudes and approaches that ensure successful dieting. Referring to the theories of transactional analysis, the authors advocate keeping the ``adult'' persona in control. They advise striving for ``small wins'' rather than too-large goals that will court disaster (e.g., concentrate on losing one pound at a time). Apart from recommending a ``Forty-Two Days to Forever'' plan (spend 21 days eliminating sugar from your diet, then 21 days eliminating fat as well), the authors suggest suiting one's own diet to personal habits and doing individual research on nutrition (the information provided about the latter is limited). This intelligent guide is geared toward the self-motivated dieter; its value is in its examination of the psychology of dieting. Those looking for a step-by-step game plan won't find it here. Prevention Book Club main selection. Foreign rights: Connie Clausen. October