"Why we Get Fat and What to do About it" By Gary Taubes (book review)

I have just finished reading “Why we Get Fat and What to do about it” by award-winning scientist, Gary Taubes.

Nowadays, many people are disillusioned with advice recommended by GPs to “eat less, move more” in order to lose weight and stay lean. But does it always work? Taubes, however, has a completely different approach to how people become obese, and its cause. He is not alone in his views, albeit at odds with those of the orthodox medical community. And his arguments suggest undereating and exercising may not be the answer to losing weight, to the dismay of medical doctors.

Taubes critiques the “eat less, move more” philosophy, and argues very fairly, with lots of evidence to back up his assumptions using tests from scientists and diet gurus across the world. He also discusses if being obese is a genetic disorder, why undereating only works for a few months, and the truth behind the success of dieting the way Weightwatchers® and other advertising brands promote it.

Taubes’ main argument is about the role hormone insulin plays in making people obese. He explains the cause of it and benefits of different food groups very clearly. Following Robert Atkins’ footsteps, Taubes offers us a more informative and cultivated approach to Atkins’ radical assumptions back in 1972.

Personally, I think what Taubes says in a hundred pages, could have been summed up in fifty. His argument is quite simple, but Taubes has a tendency to go on a bit. However, this was a very appealing and beneficial read that I would recommend to almost everyone. Its use of language and the way it is set out would probably make it one of the best non-fiction books I have read yet.