Health Fitness Books

Who Writes Health Fitness Books?

Under the category of health fitness books and videos, you will see hundreds of thousands of selections.  On top of that, you will see thousands of health and fitness software programs.  But, before you buy any of them, you might want to take a little time to learn about the author. 

Many of them are celebrities.  While they may be in good shape, what do they really know about what it takes to be healthy and fit?

Often, when a celebrity writes a book, it is more of a memoir than a guide for healthy living.  If you enjoy reading memoirs, that’s one thing.  But, if you are looking for good advice about getting in shape, you probably prefer an author that has some real experience in the field. 

The problem with finding an “expert” author is that even their titles can be misleading.  Take for example, Barry Sears, author of the “Zone” health fitness books and founder of a huge corporation based on the diet plan.

Although he is often referred to as “Dr Sears” and the use of the title is accurate, because he holds a PHD, he is not a medical doctor.  He’s a biochemist.  Is a biochemist qualified to create health and fitness software or give advice to people about what they should eat and how they should exercise? 

Well, a biochemist is definitely more qualified than some of the people that are plugging health and fitness software on the internet and late night TV.  Some of them will be perfectly honest about the fact that they are not experts, at least during interviews.
 
John Basedow and his “fitness made simple” program is an example of an author that is honest about his “lack” of education.  His health fitness books and videos are based on his life experiences, just like the celebrity versions.  He tells people about what worked for him.  Does that mean the system will work for you?

If you read the fine print on any health and fitness software, book, video, diet food or exercise equipment, they will all say similar things.  Results vary and the program works best when combined with a healthy diet and appropriate exercise.  

Why are the disclaimers necessary? No two people are the same.  There are specific types that many people fall into.  Different experts call the “types” by different names.  But, basically, it has to do with genetics, an individual’s metabolism, their current state of health and their current weight.

In general, a person that weighs more burns more calories and needs more calories to survive.  A heavier person loses weight faster on a low-calorie diet than someone that weighs less.  A variety of different health factors, including nutritional imbalances, hormonal and chemical differences affect a person’s ability to gain muscle or lose weight. 

In other words, health fitness books and other programs that are supposed to work for everyone are usually a waste of money.  The better programs can be edited to better suit the individual.

The Real Age Makeover: With Michael F. Roizen, MD

2006 March National PBS special airing. Dr. Roizen is a frequent guest on the Opera Winfrey Show and has appeared on other shows like The Today Show, 20/20 and Good Morning America. He is the cofounder and chairman of The Real Age®, Inc., a consumer-health company and provider of personalized health information and management tools

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