Lose up to 5 pounds on a one-day fast. Fasting is not starving! The only guaranteed way to lose weight is by fasting, and Dr. Cott wrote the definitive bestseller on the subject, along with a successful follow-up.

I start my review with three warnings. First, nearly all diets are rubbish. Some people are naturally fatter than other people but no diet (that I'm aware of) targets the real causes of obesity: genetics, stress, poverty, illness, etc. Second, this book was written over 35 years ago. The science in it is outdated. Third, if you are buying this book to loss weight: don't. You are beautiful no matter what you weigh. There are many ways to stay healthy without indulging in eating disorders.

That said, I bought this book as a teenager to learn how to fast for religious purposes, because I couldn't find anything else. As a how-to, it served its purpose. ( )

This book was eye-opening. I did not know there were so many potential medical benefits to fasting. It was entertaining at times too. I am going to check with my doctor and see if I am medically able to try fasting, even if it's only for one or two days. ( )