Sexy Forever: How to Fight Fat After Forty

New York Times Bestselling Author, Suzanne Somers, has launched a new book, "Sexy Forever: How to Fight Fat After 40."

The weight loss program is based on three phases, the Detox Phase, the Weight Loss Phase, and the Lifestyle Phase. As a companion to the book, you can also sign up for the online Sexy Forever customized weight-loss program (monthly fee applies).

So, is this book worth the paper it's printed on?

Personally, I think Suzanne's promises are a bit overrated, but here's a snippet of what is included, so that you can decide for yourself:

• An easy-to-follow weight loss program filled with rich, delicious foods.


• A moderate exercise program to keep you fit and healthy.


• Amazing supplements and weight loss products to catapult you to success.


• The solution to sleeping eight hours nightly, without drugs, in order to lose weight.


• The key to a healthy digestive tract, plus a simple allergy/intolerance test to unlock the hidden secret to your personal food demons, that could silently be keeping you overweight or possibly chronically ill.


• Natural hormonal balance: the missing ingredient for every person over forty that must be added to make any plan successful.


• And most important, the unveiling of the thousands of FDA approved chemicals and toxins surrounding us every day, sabotaging our health and weight, and how to conquer those enemies.

There is a huge emphasis on eliminating toxins in this book, and with statements like "I think toxicity is slowly killing us," it reeks of scare-mongering. The connection between weight gain and our environment is a concept which is becoming increasingly popular, but much more research is needed before we can make sweeping recommendations.

And, while I agree with Suzanne's advice to eat real food, I don't believe we can blame chemicals and toxins for our issues with obesity.

Suzanne also focuses on rebalancing hormones with natural bioidentical hormone

replacement therapy (BHRT).

Hmmm... BHRT is a form of alternative medicine, and over the years it has been promoted as a panacea for a whole host of diseases. However, there is no evidence to support these claims, and the hormones are thought to have the same risk and benefits of comparable approved drugs.

I believe Somers has jumped on the bandwagon with this advice, perhaps in an effort to produce something a little different from the norm in the dieting world.

No doubt there is some merit in the book. Anything which encourages people away from highly processed diets, towards whole, natural foods, is worth noting. The book also reiterates the fact that weight gain isn't an inevitable consequence of getting older.

But, the outlandish claims contained in this book make it unsavory in my opinion. And, I am always concerned when drugs are peddled, as a way of living a healthy lifestyle.

Sexy Forever: How to Fight Fat After Forty is available on Amazon for $14.