The Secret Life Of Fat

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

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

Fat is an obsession, a dirty word, a subject of national handwringing{u2015}and, according to biochemist Sylvia Tara, ou... (more)

Fat is an obsession, a dirty word, a subject of national handwringing{u2015}and, according to biochemist Sylvia Tara, our least understood body part. The Secret Life of Fat brings together historical perspectives with cutting-edge research to reveal fat{u2019}s true identity: an endocrine organ that is critical to our health. Fat triggers puberty, enables our reproductive and immune systems, and even affects brain size. It{u2019}s so critical, in fact, that our own body endowed it with self-defense measures: fat can grow back despite what we eat using stem cells; it influences our appetites; and it uses bacteria, genetics, and even contagious viruses to expand itself. Although we spend $60 billion annually fighting fat, our efforts are often misinformed and misdirected. Tara shows how we can finally control our elusive adversary by knowing it better. Her insights will spark a revolution in our physical, and mental, health. (less)