This is a thoroughly interesting book. Through thorough research it is proven the the low fat, high carbohydrate diet has never worked as people are getting fatter and fatter. This book proves that a low carb, high fat, moderate protein diet works best for taking off weight and keeping it off.

In this book, Gary Taubes argues that the ‘calories in and calories out’ and ‘fat is evil’ doctrines upon which obesity management practices in the medical industry are founded are nothing more than myths borne out of faulty research, prejudice i.e. Fat people are fat because they are gluttons and sloths and the wrong people having too much influence on nutritional policies in America. And how early European researchers were actually more on track because their work suggested obesity as a disorder of fat storage and accumulation. Taubes, a science writer, is writer first and a ‘scientist’ second. This is evident in a couple of flaws in his position. Taubes argues that carbohydrates are evil; he doesn't distinct between refined starchy evils like white bread and wholesome starches like kumara. As other obesity researchers have pointed out there are healthy and lean tribes of people that live on a high starch diet. Secondly, Taubes omits to mention leptin, a hormone produced by fat tissue and is important in informing the brain when fat storages are ‘full’ so that the brain can reduce appetite and increase the metabolic rate. Other than that, a brilliant mind broadening read. If you wish to take ownership of your own knowledge of health matters including the subject of obesity, and not leave it in the hands of your GP, I suggest you get yourself a copy of this book.