cover image Man v. Fat: The Weight Loss Manual

Man v. Fat: The Weight Loss Manual

Andrew Shanahan. Headline (IPG, dist.), $19.95 trade paper (224p) ISBN 978-1-4722-2528-3

After food writer and journalist Shanahan struggled to find a simple diet that didn’t fixate on bikini-ready bodies or six-week abs, he found his own way through simple changes in diet and exercise. Now he offers advice and options for the man who just wants to be healthy. Effectively organized, this guide identifies three important subjects to understand while forming a feasible weight-loss plan: how one got “fat,” how the body can lose weight, and how to create a regimen one can plausibly follow. The book is both charming and practical in educating readers about the causes of weight gain and loss. With fun infographics, foundational facts, and profiles on real-life weight-losers (including impressive before-and-after photos), Shanahan sets a tone that recalls both Choose Your Own Adventure books and lifestyle magazines. The first two sections outline how men gain weight, complete with surveys that describe different diets and reasons for weight gain, so that each reader can identify the course best suited to him. The last section tells readers how to turn viable goals into attainable steps, supplemented with progress charts and troubleshooting tips. The recipes and glossary in the appendix round out a thoughtful, and refreshingly realistic, approach to weight loss. [em](June) [/em]