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The Obesity Paradox

When Thinner Means Sicker and Heavier Means Healthier

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available
Robert Lustig changed the national conversation about fat. Now, a pioneer in “obesity paradox” research delivers a message that everyone who struggles to shed socalled excess weight will want to hear. After research uncovered that overweight and even moderately obese people with certain chronic diseases often live longer and fare better than their normal weight counterparts, Carl Lavie, MD, realized that being moderately fit is more important for good health than having a low body mass index. Sharing the science behind these recent findings, The Obesity Paradox

shows readers how to achieve what’s really important: maximum health—not minimum weight.

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    • Publisher's Weekly

      March 3, 2014
      “Fat isn’t always bad. And exercise isn’t always good,” cardiologist Lavie writes in his introduction to this thoughtful examination of what society deems a healthy weight. That pat statement is the crux of the “obesity paradox”: overweight and even moderately obese patients often live longer and fare better than their thinner counterparts when it comes to chronic diseases, cancers, and even HIV. Lavie and Loberg examine this conundrum from multiple angles, looking at where fat cells are stored, metabolic health and muscle mass, and exercise levels. By no means are the authors about to proclaim obesity a healthy option; they are quick to acknowledge that it can be tough to determine which came first, the diabetes, or the obesity or heart disease, for example. Still, studies show that patients who focus on overall fitness rather than weight loss are healthier in the long run. Readers hoping for a free ticket to all-you-can-eat ice cream or permission to tear up their gym card will be disappointed, but those who’ve focused on numbers—whether body mass or weight—will likely find solace and sound advice here.

    • Kirkus

      March 1, 2014
      New insights into the pros and cons of body fat. Although no one can stop aging, numerous diets and exercise programs insist they can aid you in obtaining a perfect, thin body. In this easy-to-understand, well-researched analysis of body fat and the functions it plays in humans, cardiologist Lavie, with the assistance of Loberg (co-author: Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar--Your Brain's Silent Killers, 2013, etc.), opens the door to a new understanding of optimum weight and health. After examining the dangers of excess body fat--e.g., an increased strain on the heart, leading to high blood pressure, possible strokes and high cholesterol--Lavie lays out the positives of having a few extra pounds. Numerous scientific studies show that being metabolically fit despite extra weight is actually healthier, leading to a longer life span than a thinner person who looks healthy but may have hidden health risks. Unlike overweight people, who have ample reserves in their fat cells, there's no cushion for a thin person to fall back on when illness strikes or when an accident occurs. The key is to balance body fat with moderate physical fitness. "Maintaining fitness is good and maintaining a healthy metabolism is good, and if you had to choose between fitness and thinness, it looks like it's much more important to maintain your fitness than your svelte waistline," writes the author. "Fitness appears to be a lot more protective than a low weight." After presenting the data, Lavie summarizes his explorations in ten principles that help readers absorb the notion that a few more pounds on the hips and thighs--good news for women--is actually beneficial and can lead to a longer life. Comprehensible, practical advice that shuns yo-yo dieting and exhaustive exercise regimens for a more lenient lifestyle in which having some body fat is actually good for you.

      COPYRIGHT(2014) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

    • Library Journal

      April 15, 2014
      Board-certified cardiologist Lavie (John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Inst., New Orleans; editor in chief, "Progress in Cardiovascular Disease") has written prolifically in medical journals and texts on the relationship between obesity and health issues, and here brings his knowledge to the rest of us. This title challenges popular opinion about what it means to be healthy by examining the relationship of body mass index (BMI) and fitness, the role of genetics, the impact of environment, what the latest research has revealed, and what the average person can do to optimize his or her well-being today. Part 1 describes how individuals can be overweight yet still in shape. The second section explores the role of fat in physical wellness, and in Part 3 Lavie outlines key guidelines for diet and exercise, offering hope for even those suffering from chronic illnesses. VERDICT A fascinating read that will be of interest to many individuals concerned about personal health and fitness, and illuminating for those in related industries.--Crystal Renfro, Georgia Inst. of Technology Lib. & Information Ctr., Atlanta

      Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

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