The End Of Overeating Book Review

July 14th, 2009

by John R. Sedivy

endofovereating Do you ever wonder why you can’t just eat one potato chip? Why your mouth may water at certain food commercials? Why you may have difficulty passing up certain foods even though you are not hungry, or may even be full? “The End Of Overeating” by David A. Kessler provides some insight as to why.

“The End Of Overeating” was, in my opinion, a fairly unique read. This book was definitely different than I expected – but that is not a bad thing. What I was expecting was the typical dieting book, what I found was a book with some diet tips, but it was hardly typical. Actually, I had never read a book quite like this.

The author explains, in great detail, how combinations of salt, sugar, and fat lead us as consumers down the path of overeating. In fact, based on his research, many well-known chain restaurants invest large sums of money into discovering the precise combinations of salt, sugar, and fat, that will make their food irresistible. You may think, like I had thought prior to reading this book, that this is just good business. But it actually goes beyond that – the author’s research and findings will likely shock you as it had me.

Here are the strengths of “The End Of Overeating”:

1. Research
2. Credibility
3. Presentation

David A. Kessler provides some really in-depth research into this topic. He uses a combination of academic and field research. The academic research ranges from existing papers and books to the interview of university researchers who study this sort of thing among a wide array of universities. The field research includes the author visiting chain restaurants and interviewing their staff as well as industry experts. A major selling point of this book is that it is certainly well researched.
Second, the author is certainly knowledgeable in subject of food and nutrition and can speak from a position of authority. He served as the commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration under two US presidents and was the dean of the medical schools at Yale and the University of California. Finally, his academic credentials are impressive as well, holding degrees from Amherst College, the University of Chicago Law School, and Harvard Medical School. Bottom line – David Kessler is a credible author given the subject matter which further reinforces the content within this book.

Finally, the author is animated in his presentation of information. I had listened to the audiobook and found his subtle humor to be a welcome addition – he had made information that could have been presented in a boring manner interesting. Again, not what I had expected given his academic and professional credentials – yet this is also a good thing and adds quite a bit to the book. He chooses his words carefully, as do the advertisers of food, and the results make for a fun experience.

Despite the strengths of this book, I did find it to be a bit long – at six CDs. Some of the information was a bit repetitive and could have been condensed. Perhaps four to five audio discs would have been better. This should not dissuade anyone who is interested as the book is well written and packed with useful information, just a bit drawn out at times.

I highly recommend “The End Of Overeating” to anyone interested in nutrition, health, dieting, or the food industry. There is something here for everyone. To newcomers without industry knowledge the author provides enough examples that you have likely encountered to reel you in. On the other hand, if you are well versed in the industry you will be intrigued by the scientific nature of his findings and the detail provided.

To learn more about “The End Of Overeating” refer to my article “The End Of Overeating?” which highlights the first chapter of the book. Another article titled “Possible Obesity Causes” describes why, as Americans, we tend to be getting bigger.

-John R. Sedivy of Cape Cod Branding