The following books on obesity and related issues have been reviewed for the Harried Parent's Book Club. They are sorted by Guide Rating, with five stars being best.
1. Diabesity: The Obesity-Diabetes Epidemic That Threatens America
Cover image courtesy of Random House
Author Francine Kaufman doesn't mince words in exhorting readers to put down the doughnuts, throw out the sweetened soda, hand back that Big Mac, get up and exercise, or tomorrow you and your children will be dealing with diabetes and all its complications. This isn't a book to browse through while enjoying your midnight snack. 3 Stars
2. Get a Healthy Weight for Your Child
Cover image courtesy of Firefly Books
It's hard to pick up a newspaper these days without being reminded that children are too fat, too fat, too fat. There's a whole lot of alarm but not a whole lot of useful how-to, other than saying, "Put down the twinkie and turn off the TV!" If you need something more specific than that, this book has the details. You still have to get off the couch, though. 3 Stars
3. Teenage Waistland
Cover image courtesy of PriceGrabber
Most parents have had the experience of sitting down with an upset, overwhelmed child and offering possible solutions, only to have each one shot down. That's kind of the way this book reads. Author Abby Ellin gives a good picture of the difficulty of being a fat kid and investigates lots of programs that seek to help, but is much better at pointing out flaws than solutions. 2 Stars
