Understanding Weight-Loss Programs

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-In a world glutted with misinformation and misguided media images of the perfect young adult, less-than-perfect teens are rightly confused and unhappy with themselves. Often, they embark on a road of self-destruction using the vehicles of rampant dieting and obsessive-compulsive behavior. The way to stem this sort of abusive behavior is through education. Moe looks at the causes behind a negative body image and stresses that self-esteem is more important than personal size. Monroe makes it clear that most weight-loss programs are shams and should be viewed with a critical eye. Both titles are well researched, and the information is current and logically arranged. There are plenty of case studies and scenarios. The books are well laid out, and complement each other well. They follow on the heels of Moe's Coping with Eating Disorders (Rosen, 1995), which is similar in scope and treatment. Suitable offerings for researchers and for young people who want and need to know about these issues.-Lisa Denton, J. S. Russell JHS, Lawrenceville, VA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.