The Secret Life of Fat

The Science Behind the Body's Least Understood Organ and What It Means for You

By: Sylvia Tara

Narrated by: Sylvia Tara

This groundbreaking work of practical, popular science reveals that fat is much smarter than we think.

Fat is an obsession, a dirty word, a subject of national hand-wringing - and, according to biochemist Sylvia Tara, the least understood part of our body.

You may not love your fat, but your body certainly does. In fact your body is actually endowed with many self-defense measures to hold on to fat. For example, fat can use stem cells to regenerate; increase our appetite if it feels threatened; and use bacteria, genetics, and viruses to expand itself. The secret to losing 20 pounds? You have to work with your fat, not against it. Tara explains how your fat influences your appetite and willpower, how it defends itself when attacked, and why it grows back so quickly.

The Secret Life of Fat brings cutting-edge research together with historical perspectives to reveal fat's true identity: an endocrine organ that, in the right amount, is critical to our health. Fat triggers puberty, enables our reproductive and immune systems, and even affects brain size.

Although we spend $60 billion annually fighting fat, our efforts are often misinformed and misdirected. Tara expertly illustrates the complex roles that genetics, hormones, diet, exercise, and history play in our weight, and The Secret Life of Fat sets you on the path to beat the bulge once and for all.

©2016 Sylvia Tara (P)2016 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Finally, a book that sheds some light on understanding body fat - specifically, its role, why it is so difficult to fight, and how it works differently for different people.... This genuinely enlightening book will be a revelation to those engulfed in self-blame and shame about their weight." (Publishers Weekly)

"[Tara] ably combines an accessible explanation of how the body’s metabolism works with a clear survey of the latest research on obesity. [The Secret Life of Fat] should have wide appeal, not only to those fighting the battle of the bulge." (Kirkus)

"Biochemist Tara gives readers the skinny on fat in a lively discussion that incorporates sumo wrestlers, a bloated diet industry, [and] genetics.... Readers will discover that, regardless of body size and shape, fat does some heavy work on our behalf." (Tony Miksanek, Booklist)

"Body fat is so much more than a passive calorie storage depot, as Sylvia Tara brilliantly shows. Read The Secret Life of Fat to make friends with this misunderstood and critically important organ." (David S. Ludwig, MD, PhD, Professor, Harvard Medical School and author of the number one New York Times best seller Always Hungry?)

A nice eye opener

I really enjoyed this book. This in-depth look at fat as just more than a storage depot or the result of laziness and lack of will-power is long overdue. The concept of fat as an organ with value to the body, also is a welcome break from its vilification. Dr. Tara's conclusion that controlling fat is not a one-size fits all solution is important to understand and appreciate.

Although I like books read by the author, I thought Dr. Tara's voice was a bit monotone and at times I had to go back and replay a bit of a passage. This did not diminish my overall enjoyment of the book.

Great book!

For those who like reading about science, research, and medical cases, this book is wildly interesting! Never knew fat as an organ that controls so many systems in the body. The stories are also told with anecdotes from patients and the author herself, so it breaks the monotony of cold hard data.

Veey insightful facts + clear outline

Cristal clear explainations with great examples. A must read, also for people who do not deal with weight issues as it explains various effects that fat has on the body!

A Phd's story of the battle

Sylvia Tara weaves her own story and many other's into the science of fat in an honest and compassionate way.

Excellent

well done compilation of science and anecdote. particularly good at debunking common beliefs that are unproductive. intermitant fasting has been the only approach, with exercise, that has ever worked for me. this gives me confidence to employ that approach again.

eye opening!

Wow, who knew that there are so many variables to why we have excess fat. I found this book to be very enlightening. It's a bit technical in the first few chapters but it's great groundwork for what follows. it really does help to explain why we have so much trouble losing fat and it give some helpful tips as well as the authors personal diet plan. I loved it.

Incredibly discouraging!

Trying to lose weight seems pointless. At least she's honest. I guess my take away is if I can't lose it, for heaven's sake stop gaining-- now and not a minute later!

more than I expected

Dr Tara shared much more than I expected. Understanding fat as a valuable organ, instead of just a pesky nuisance between me and my favorite jeans, has made a difference in my outlook, and maybe my waistline

story

the ending with her own obsession with weight loss despite all her knowledge was honest yet uninspiring. what does it mean for readers?

Uplifting and eye opening

Highly recommend it to anyone struggling with the perils of dieting. The science is well presented and makes me wish I had paid more attention in high school biology. Overall a very good listen.