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Dr. Susan's Girls-Only Weight Loss Guide

Book Summary

Reviewed by Pam Gelman

Dr. Susan starts this guide with introductory words about how parents can use this book; and then in a separate section she writes "for the girls" about what they can expect from reading it.

Each of the 12 chapters covers a specific issue in weight gain: liking your body and taking control, puberty, genes, fashion, feelings and eating, family patterns, diets, real eating, eating out healthy, eating disorders and exercise. Within each chapter are tips from teens that are highlighted in pink, and more from Dr. Susan that are often bulleted (with pink flowers or hearts).

In her concluding chapter, the author provides her email address, asking readers to let her know how this book helped. She also provides lists of Web sites, books, and other useful stuff.

Is It Any Good?

4

The title might alarm for parents, but it's just a hook to get readers. This smart book isn't about diets -- it's about helping girls understand that their weight is about more than what they eat. Dr. Susan Bartell explains the genetics, the physiology, and the psychology that play critical roles in weight gain and loss. She writes in terms that girls will understand, and with kindness and a bit of humor.

She employs another clever tool to connect with teen readers -- other teen girls. An advisory group of 12 preteen and teen girls read, discussed, and edited her book, and then added their real-life experiences. Pink polka dot graphics; quizzes on self-control, body type, self-love and food attitude; and a multitude of tips make this a book older tweens and teens will read from cover to cover. This also is a guide for parents to better understand how their daughters feel about their weight, providing advice on how to offer support without alienating teens.

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