Michael F. Roizen

I enjoyed YOU: On a Diet for an interesting reason that may not be immediately apparent to those considering reading this "diet" book. I enjoyed it because the book reads like it's written for a 9th grader but simultaneously treats the reader as if they have more than two IQ points to rub together. Now that's not meant to be an insult to 9th graders. My point is that it's written in simple language that's entertaining to read but at the same time, the book teaches you complex concepts so show more that you understand the science behind why your body reacts the way it does to certain foods, why you get hungry when you do, and why excercise and certain types of foods improve or exacerbate your health concerns.

The reader isn't treated to a "trust me, if you eliminate this food, all your woes will end" routine. You're treated as someone who wants to learn how your body works and how to improve your physiology.

Some will be quick to dismiss the book as "sure, sure, it's the same old story - excercise 30 minutes a day and eat right." OK...and??? Of course it is. That's how you lose weight (or, more importantly, "waist" per the authors) and keep it off for the long haul. I applaud them for not creating some trendy fad diet. There are enough of those out there stealing people's money.

For me, the book was a reinforcement of why I should cut out trans fats and high fructose corn syrup, why I should eat plenty of veggies and whole grains, and why I should make sure and give at least 30 minutes everyday to excercise my body. They don't just say I should - I knew that. They say WHY. That resonates with me. I compare it to the old adage - “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish and you have fed him for a lifetime.” Irrespective of whether or not I choose to follow the specifics of their recommended plan, I can now "fish" for myself. To my knowledge, there aren't too many diet books that can claim that. My impression has always been that they are prescriptive in nature and require a specific regimen.

I have a much better understanding of the importance of eating well and getting some exercise. That's worth 4 stars to me. This is the best "diet" book I've read. Then again, I wouldn't call it a diet book. I'm also not a big diet trend follower/reader either so maybe I'm being overly critical of them - but I doubt it. I look forward to reading YOU: The Owner's Manual. show less

This book is from 2009 (and perhaps there are updated editions, but my library's was acquired in 2009 so it's contemporary to that period) and... it shows, with the early focus on epigenetics (still relevant, but maybe not the hot topic it was over a decade ago).

Thing is, these pop doctors decide to use that as an excuse to remind you that EVERYTHING you do can influence not only your baby, but your baby's baby in the future etc. even though advice wasn't concrete on how exactly you might show more be methylating your strands. I should've remembered that the other books in this line are on the dieting/self-improvement end of things, so that shouldn't surprise me.

I do like that this book was organized by topic/system, rather than chronological. Was it just me, or did all the people in illustrations have elf ears? almost a political cartoon style of diagram...

The section on vaccination tried to Both Sides it (as they mentioned the doctor author team was divided), with pro-science accurately saying they felt that showing anti-vax positions they were accidentally legitimizing it as a point of view. Oz, unsurprisingly, delayed vaccination for his kids in the individual author note, but his background is in heart surgery, not obstetrics/pediatrics.

Would not recommend, though if you're curious absolutely more of a library read like what I did. show less

An interesting and informative book written by two doctors explaining in clear terms why aging occurs and methods to delay it. A lot of the book is common sense but there are lists of supplements and vitamins proven to help avoid major diseases. Some of the info is presented in a gimmicky way but I think everyone will learn from this book and be inspried to develop better health habits.

This is my second book on health by Dr. Roizen. I like his common sense and humorous take on health. His medical advice to pay attention to health matters we can control, or somewhat, is on the mark. I, like so many, do not pay as much attention to the healthy things I can do to live a fuller and prolonged life. The recommendations do not seem all that difficult but they do require discipline and focus and the pay off definitely of great benefit.