"If your body weight is putting you at medical or psychological risk and you want to drop some pounds, this book will steer you to the safest, most effective ways, and away from the fraudulent or dangerous," Janis Jibrin promises, and she delivers with everything you need to know about losing weight rolled into 507 friendly pages. The Unofficial Guide to Dieting Safely, brought to you by the same folks who produce the Unofficial Guide travel series, isn"t pushing any one diet plan; rather, you get the honest scoop on what works, what doesn"t work, and what you should know to lose weight safely. It"s all here--including a weight-loss readiness test, an analysis of popular weight-loss programs, how to change your attitude about food and exercise, and much more. Jibrin slashes through fad diets and trendy theories. The information is impressively up to date, including references to the Weight Loss Registry, a survey of people who have been successful at losing weight and keeping it off. In the margins are notations of timesaving and money-saving tips, cautions, quotes, and anecdotes. Jibrin writes in such an encouraging, accessible style that you"ll feel like you"re having a chat with your friend who happens to be a registered dietician and weight-loss expert. --Joan Price