It Can Break Your Heart: What You and Your Doctor Should Know about Solving Your Weight Problem

by Kenneth D. Robinson, J. Pervis Milnor III, Gregory L. Little

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0940829312
• ISBN13: 9780940829312
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Eagle Wing Books
• Length: 424 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Definitely Part Of The Solution

Overweight and obesity are very difficult conditions to battle and too many "diet experts" offer easy fixes that just make it harder to deal with and overcome. This book certainly differs from the majority of books on the subject that actually contribute to our growing American waistline. This book approaches the problem with honesty and realistic solutions.I commend anyone just for trying to lose weight in our society. In many ways, the deck is stacked against the overweight and obese. I'll never understand a society that discriminates against the overweight when they are now the majority. Compassion and respect should be given to anyone who suffers with a weight problem. Most of us have battled this problem or will as we age. It's understandable that overweight people would feel validated by the existence of obesity genes to explain their condition. I do believe these genes plague my family and many people, as many of us gain weight so easily. But genes alone do not explain the recent obesity epidemic. Studies confirm the prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically since 1980. Before that, the increases in overweight and obesity were much slower. Biology and genes can not be solely responsible. The gene pool did not radically change in the last twenty-two years. Evolution takes millions of years. The real problem might be that Americans are constantly bombarded by a toxic food environment. Our average diet is poor quality and loaded with low cost, high-calorie foods ( some even non-fat or low-fat, but packed with hidden calories). Constantly hawked on tv, radio and print ads yummy foods from Snackwells to Big Macs seem so acceptable. But most of this stuff is lethal to our waistlines and for some, our health and lives. Yes, personal responsibility and lifestyle choices, even for those of us who have one or more obesity gene(s), will always be the main factor in whether we will be average weight, overweight or obese. But the food industry shares some of the blame. The industry says it's just responding to consumer demand, but they are also guilty of shaping our food preferences. It's growing exceedingly harder every year to eat right and exercise correctly, partly due to the confusing messages the food, diet and fitness industries deluge the American public with. We're encouraged to "Super Size" our meals but NOT our bodies. That's schizophrenic, not to mention nearly impossible. And worst of all, this affects our children. In the end, losing excess weight and maintaining a healthy weight in our high tech, convenient and affluent society is a major effort even for the mildly overweight. I commend anyone just for trying! But the truth is eating a balanced low calorie/moderate fat/adequate protein and carbohydrate diet and regular exercise that includes aerobics and strength training is the ONLY way to lose weight and maintain. Any book, program, doctor or expert who tells you different, is trying to sell you something, uned

Making Sense Out of The Obesity Problem

One of the most confusing subjects in Medicine today is what is the best way to lose weight. Should one reduce fat in the diet? Should one reduce carbohydrates in the diet? Should one eliminate simple sugars? Should proteins be increased or reduced? Does exercise matter? How much? What kinds? How important is genetics? Should drugs be taken to lose weight? What is the role of stress in obesity? Can stress management help? Is there an ideal weight? Controlling weight for good health is obviously a complicated puzzle. Books that give simplified solutions certainly aren't the answer. All too often people buy such books, try the simple approach, and a few months later are back at square one. Of all the books that I have read on the enigma of obesity and its control, It Can Break Your Heart, stands out heads and shoulders above all the rest. It is comprehensive yet easy to follow and implement. No one who has been overweight or is under a constant battle to maintain normal weight should be without this book. I recommend it without reservation.

25 Years - Best I've Read

I have lost over 150 pounds myself and kept it off for over 25 years now. I have read every major best selling book (and many not best selling) out over that time. I have read every magazine/newspaper article in that time on weight loss. None have compared with this book. This book gives you things it took me decades to learn by the "school of hard knocks" while it taught me a couple of new things as well. This book gives you the current research findings like a scientist would, however, it gives it to you in language you can understand (with references) and use. The confusion people have as a result of the major names in the "diet world" (Atkins, McDougall, Ornish, Pritikin, Sears, D'Adamo, etc.) and their systems (zone, low carb-high protein/fat, low fat, calories don't count, 40-30-30 etc.) which seems like a "Tower of Babel" is made understandable. The various medications and what they do for you including benifits and risks are made understandable. They give you information on the various weight loss programs and support groups available with their strengths and weaknesses. They give you a clear understanding of what works and what does not work and why(including Websites you can go to currently). It gets better - you really do not have to read the whole book! They give you chapter summaries at the start of each chapter. If you want to lose weight or have a serious obesity problem this book is for you. If you are a professional who thinks you know about weight loss this book is for you. If you are a student or teacher this book is for you. If you read this far I am sure you can see I am thrilled with this book. These authors have done us a service. Money well spent - buy this book.