by Kris Gethin
Touchstone Fireside, $24.99, 216 pages
When it comes to losing weight, it helps to keep the friends. Body By Design has a somewhat unique approach to losing weight: gaining. The diet plan involves gaining muscle mass, but to encourage losing body fat. Also, and more importantly, it provides a support structure for those looking to lose weight. One of the major weaknesses in most diet plans is that they are just a plan, and people require a certain degree of social support in order to accomplish major changes. The greatest strength of this book is the associated website, where people can get the support they need.
The book emphasizes weight training. It is a great book for anyone looking to lose a few pounds or even do some major changes. The book is best when it points out that it is the mentality of the dieter that has to change, and without that change nothing else will work. This is a great book for anyone looking to take some weight off, and lose it permanently.
Reviewed by Jamais Jochim