The Secret Life of Fat: The Science Behind the Body's Least Understood Organ and What It Means for You Illustrated Edition

I first heard of the book early on a Saturday morning on my way to Weight Watchers. The author, Dr. Tara, was being interviewed on North Carolina's NPR show The People's Pharmacy. Her knowledge of the science and research-based insights about our body fat was a real eye-opener. Having struggled with my weight for many years, I identified with the plight of many who have a difficult time with weight loss. She uses peer-reviewed research examples to show how obesity can occur and how science is trying to find solutions. Not easy.Being a registered nurse, I do not compromise when researching product weight loss claims and identifying healthy diet options. In fact, people ask what I think of various options for quick weight loss. I am very dismissive, when I know something is not realistic and the only thing that could be lost is money. Therefore, I was extremely happy when I read The Secret Life of Fat. Throughout the book, I had many of those ah-ha moments when the scientific examples in the book filled in the gaps of what I know about body fat and weight reduction.The most important take-a-way for me, was the better understanding of the role of brown fat, its glandular function, and its regulatory role with white fat. Very helpful. From what I read, I surmised that slow weight loss done in a healthy way has a much better probability of re-regulating your brown fat. Everyone is different, I realize, but for me Weight Watchers has been the key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight. I lost 38 pounds and am keeping it off by eating more fruits and vegetables, less simple sugar laden foods, and exercising. Where brown fat comes into it is when I have indulgences. My body works with me to stay at a stable weight.I liked the book so much, I have purchased at least 6 copies to give as gifts to friends and family who also have struggled so they too can have the insight. While Dr. Tara discusses her own weight loss challenges, the beauty of the book is that it isn't a weight loss plan but the background needed so a person can identify the best way to address their own diet and goals.Thank you Dr. Tara for a well-written and compelling science-based book on fat. It has greatly appreciated!!!

I'd heard of set point and homeostasis before which is why I bought this this book. I'd hoped there would be lots of detailed information about homeostasis. While there was good information about fats role and possible disfunction it lacked some of the details I was looking for. This book does cover the basics of fats endocrinological role in the body which is informative but familiar. I'd hoped for a little more, though. I think if a person has successfully maintained weight loss then this book will be interesting but not very helpful. That said, the author advocates intermittent fasting which I think is very helpful and would be a great tool for someone who hasn't considered it. If a person hasn't been successful with fat loss then I think this book would be helpful psychologically as it shows how important fat is and that reducing excess can be very challenging. This book isn't really a how to book but more of a why and here's what I did book. I thank the author for sharing her struggles and triumphs.

Sylvia Tara' The Secret Life of Fat is a well researched and well written, as well as approachable discussion of the current scientific assessment of body fat. From its humble beginnings as merely a storage bin for excess calories, fat or its more appropriate scientific term, adipose tissue, fat has emerged a central player in a host of normal physiological processes and a contributor to many chronic disease states. Tara provides engaging reading material not only on the history of fat, but also on many of the pioneers in the field who faced years and sometimes decades of skepticism about its actions. At the same time, she also presents a fascinating series of patients with exceedingly rare, but seemingly inexplicable conditions that were true medical mysteries, initially chocked up as a lack of willpower, but now understandable in light of current knowledge and thinking about how fat operates.Along the way, hereditary influences are discussed, as well as the self regulating nature of adipose tissue that affirms many people's perception that it seems to have mind of its own. At the end of the book it will apparent why the countless episodes of counting calories ended in a bust. At the same time, there is explanation of how fat can impact hunger and the different metabolic impacts due to anatomical location. She reserves a whole chapter for women and the unique role adipose tissue maintains in hormonal health and pregnancy.While the overall thrust of the book is not meant to be do-it-yourself or self-help diet guide, there are many useful tips and advice that particularly reinforce the dawning realization that one size does not fit all when it comes to fat and attempts at weight loss.

The author really breaks down the science in an easy to understand way. I found myself completely fascinated by what was revealed about fat and how it works.

It’s an amazing good book to know more about fat and the games it plays. if you want to reduce weight then this is the book which has to be read first.

This book is so full of knowledge and as a result I learned so much from it. What I really appreciated it the way she took issue with the establishment and detailed how long it takes to get new idea's accepted and the dangers as a result. What I really appreciated that fat is not simply calories in and calories expended. Anybody who still preaches this should be asked what other old incorrect beliefs do they have and should they even be listened to. I highly recommend this book from the viewpoint on how it really opens a persons view point in the way science makes changes in accepted beliefs.

It a great blood based on science .

Bastante esclarecedor

Fett, das ist nicht nur Schwabbel, der optisch und gesundheitlich Schwierigkeiten bereitet, sonder Fett ist auch und vor allem ein lebenswichtiges "Organ", das aktiv am Stoffwechsel und hormonellen Regelkreisen beteiligt ist.Das Buch bietet einen groben aber guten Überblick über diese Zusammenhänge gepaart mit spannenden Geschichten aus der Forschung.Für mich sind es gerade diese Entdeckungsgeschichten, die mal mit drastischen, mal mit weniger drastischen Fällen dafür sorgen, daß auch nach dem Lesen ein Verständnis der Zusammenhänge im Gedächtnis bleibt.Direkte Auswirkungen auf oder bisher unbekannte "Hacks" für die eigenen Abnehmanstrengungen findet man in diesem Buch nicht bis auf das letzte kurze Kapitel, das das Abspecken der Autorin selber beschreibt.Nun seis drum, für ein besseres Verständnis für das Wieso/weshalb/warum von Hunger, Jojo-Effekten, Gewichtsplateaus, Fasteneffekten und und und ist das Lesen dieses Buches es auf jeden Fall wert.