The Big Fat Surprise

by Nina Teicholz
The Big Fat Surprise cover
Good Books rating 2.83
Health and Wellness
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 2220
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9781451624434
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2015-01-06
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Big Fat Surprise challenges long-held beliefs about fats and nutrition, exposing the flawed science behind anti-fat campaigns. The author meticulously examines the history of nutrition studies, revealing how distorted claims have misled the public for decades. By presenting compelling evidence, the book argues that more dietary fat can lead to improved health, wellness, and fitness, offering a fresh perspective on nutrition science. This book is not just about debunking myths but also about empowering readers with the truth. It provides a comprehensive look at how dietary fat has been unfairly demonized and offers practical insights into how incorporating more fat into one's diet can lead to better overall health. The author's thorough research and engaging writing style make this a must-read for anyone interested in nutrition and wellness.

Reviews
The Lancet · H. Blackburn · 2025-10-13
skeptical 2.00

The book's central idea of returning to traditional fats is criticized for lacking sufficient scientific support. The reviewer questions the validity of the arguments presented.

The reviewer from The Lancet is skeptical about the book's central thesis that Americans should return to using lard, suet, tallow, and butter as their principal fats. They argue that the book's ideas are not well-supported by evidence and raise concerns about the potential health implications. The reviewer suggests that the book's claims are controversial and need more rigorous scientific backing to be taken seriously. They also point out that the dietary advice given in the book could be harmful if followed without proper consideration of the current scientific consensus.

Quick quotes

    We find this book—with its unsupported idea that Americans should return to 'lard, suet, tallow, and butter as our principal fats'—to be deeply flawed.

    The book's central thesis is not supported by the evidence presented.

    The dietary advice given in the book could be harmful if followed without proper consideration of the current scientific consensus.

CBC News · 2015-03-02
critical 2.50

The book's message to eat more fat is controversial and the reviewer remains unconvinced by the arguments. They believe that fat is still bad for health.

The CBC News article takes a critical stance on the book's controversial message to eat more fat. The reviewer is not convinced by the arguments presented and believes that the book's claims are not supported by sufficient evidence. They argue that fat is still bad for health and that the book's message could be misleading to readers. The reviewer suggests that more research is needed before such dietary advice can be widely accepted. They also point out that the book's arguments are not backed by the current scientific consensus on dietary fat.

Quick quotes

    Don't be fooled by big fat surprises, fat is still bad for you.

    The book's message to eat more fat is controversial and not supported by sufficient evidence.

    More research is needed before such dietary advice can be widely accepted.

The Wall Street Journal · 2014-06-04
compelling 4.00

The book challenges the government's crusade against fat and suggests it may have contributed to obesity. The reviewer finds the arguments compelling but acknowledges the controversy.

The Wall Street Journal review highlights the book's challenging of the government's long-standing crusade against fat. The reviewer finds the arguments compelling and suggests that the government's advice to abstain from fatty foods may have actually contributed to the spread of obesity. They appreciate the book's thorough research and the way it challenges conventional wisdom. However, the reviewer also acknowledges the controversy surrounding the book's claims and suggests that more discussion and research are needed to fully understand the implications of the arguments presented.

Quick quotes

    What if the government's crusade against fat fed the spread of obesity by encouraging us to abstain from foods that satiate us efficiently?

    The book challenges conventional wisdom and presents a compelling argument.

    More discussion and research are needed to fully understand the implications of the arguments presented.

Appears in Lists