Book Review & Discussion: Why Women Need Fat

When asked to read the book, Why Women Need Fat by William D. Lassek and Steven J. C. Gaulin, I must admit that I started the book with more than a bit of scepticism. Over the past twenty years, I have seen many diet research and fads make the news and gain popularity. I remember when I was kid, fats were bad, carbohydrates were good. Then carbs were bad, but you could have all the protein and fat you wanted. Next thing you know, it was just saturated and trans fats were good, but unsaturated fats were good. Every time you turn around, some "expert" is touting the latest diet miracle that will make us all thin.

That said, Why Women Need Fat begins with a history of our nation's weight gain and the ways that have been tried to battle against the bulge. Lassek and Gaulin take their time in explaining not only what their findings suggest caused our nation's weight problems -- processed foods and omega-6 fatty acids a couple of the main culprits -- but also how each and every one of us can find our body's true weight without traditional dieting. 

While I still feel a bit of the skeptic after completing the book, I found many of the authors' examples reasonated with me and think that their ideas certainly bear further personal investigation. Interested in finding out more? Join the discussion at BlogHer Book Club.

***This is a paid review for BlogHer Book Club but the opinions expressed are my own.