The End of Overeating

Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite

By: David A. Kessler MD

Narrated by: Blair Hardman

Length: 7 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Most of us know what it feels like to fall under the spell of food - when one slice of pizza turns into half a pie, or a handful of chips leads to an empty bag. But it's harder to understand why we can't seem to stop eating - even when we know better. When we want so badly to say "no," why do we continue to reach for food?

Dr. David Kessler, the dynamic former FDA commissioner who reinvented the food label and tackled the tobacco industry, now reveals how the food industry has hijacked the brains of millions of Americans. The result? America's number-one public health issue.

Dr. Kessler cracks the code of overeating by explaining how our bodies and minds are changed when we consume foods that contain sugar, fat, and salt. Food manufacturers create products by manipulating these ingredients to stimulate our appetites, setting in motion a cycle of desire and consumption that ends with a nation of overeaters. The End of Overeating explains for the first time why it is exceptionally difficult to resist certain foods and why it's so easy to overindulge. Dr. Kessler met with top scientists, physicians, and food industry insiders.

The End of Overeatinguncovers the shocking facts about how we lost control over our eating habits - and how we can get it back. Dr. Kessler presents groundbreaking research, along with what is sure to be a controversial view inside the industry that continues to feed a nation of overeaters - from popular brand manufacturers to advertisers, chain restaurants, and fast-food franchises. For the millions of people struggling with weight as well as for those of us who simply don't understand why we can't seem to stop eating our favorite foods, Dr. Kessler's cutting-edge investigation offers new insights and helpful tools to help us find a solution. There has never been a more thorough, compelling, or in-depth analysis of why we eat the way we do.

©2009 David A. Kessler, M.D. (P)2009 Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Valuable insights into the food industry.....

Although not a diet book per se, without reading it, a person who wants to control his/her overeating (or just to make healthier choices) starts with a huge disadvantage. It explains how the food industry, grocery chains and restaurants work hard to make food a "fun" experience which leaves you wanting more and more. We used to feel better after eating a meal....now we feel worse - bloated and over-full. That's because food that is simply prepared with fresh natural ingredients is increasingly rare. Add the alarming fact that the constant advertising to children of "snack foods" fast foods and sugary cereals starts them on a road to life-long health and weight control problems. This book altered my perceptions when looking at a menu or going food shopping. Although I enjoy eating a good meal very much, I now try to make more simple and home cooked food, to avoid "prepared foods" and to read labels. Well worth listening to!

Very informative

This book provided information that I believe deep down we already know but like to ignore. It also has the scientific background explaining why we act the way we do towards certain foods.

Best I’ve read in awhile

Other reviews on this book really don’t do it justice. I come out the other side of this book understanding why I eat the way I do, why I’m having cravings, and tons of information on the food industry I had no clue about before. A very good read!!

Nothing New Here

I was hoping for something revolutionary, but what I got was nothing I didn’t already know. It takes a very long time to get to the ‘plan’, and very little time to describe an approach to weigh loss/control. Even though it is interesting to get a deep dive into the food industry and how its contributing to the obesity epidemic in the developed world, there is nothing new here. No matter what replacement (less intimidating) words he uses, it all boils down to will power and deprivation, which we all knew.

Not a boring repeat of Omnivores Dilemma

Thought it would be a boring repeat of Omnivores Dilemma, but there is even more to our food industry that we must face. This is much better documented by a very knowledgeable scientist. (I'm glad the FDA just took a stand on regular antibiotics in feedlots, but the compromise taken is expected to initially raise antibiotic use based on European experience.)

powerful educational and empowering

I loved this book...I lost 33 lbs over 2 years but was concerned I would gain it back. I am 130lb and did not diet. I mainly used portion control. Now I know why and how to maintain..thank you Dr. Kessler. As a Nana of 11 I have great concerns as well about childhood obsesity.

Interesting topic

Interesting book with great facts however there seems to be too much focus on data statistics and specifics. I fast forwarded through a lot of the middle of the book where I though it was overly redundant.
Overall worth listening too

So great!!!

Loved it!!! It wasn't just about overeating, it's so informative about the food we eat, where it comes from, and how our minds work when we think about food. I will never think about food the same way.

Knowledge is and gives Power

This book is most certainly telling me things I know we all know, but have learned to ignore. It gives a great inside on how Restaurants think, and how we choose to ignore and continue to eat. It has most certainly helped me to wake up and take action! Knowledge gives power.

Tough love ideas at the end

For those wanting good advice on what to do about overeating, hold out to the end of the book. The last chapters offer help on how to stop overeating. Most of the book is about why eating fat, sugar, and salt keep us eating fat, sugar and salt.