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The Diet Myth: Why the Secret to Health and Weight Loss is Already in Your Gut Hardcover – September 8, 2015

by Tim Spector (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 334 ratings
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What should we eat? It’s a simple and fundamental question that still bewilders us, despite a seemingly infinite amount of available information on which foods are best for our bodies. Scientists, dieticians, and even governments regularly publish research on the dangers of too much fat and sugar, as well as on the benefits of exercise, and yet the global obesity crisis is only worsening. Most diet plans prove to be only short-term solutions, and few strategies work for everyone. Why can one person eat a certain meal and gain weight, while another eating the same meal drops pounds? Part of the truth lies in genetics, but more and more, scientists are finding that the answer isn’t so much what we put into our stomachs, but rather the essential digestive microbes already in them.Drawing on the latest science and his team's own pioneering research, The Diet Myth explores the hidden world of the microbiome, and demystifies the common misconceptions about fat, calories, vitamins, and nutrients. Dr. Tim Spector shows us that only by understanding what makes our own personal microbes tick and interact can we overcome the confusion of modern nutrition, allowing us to regain natural balance in our bodies. Countless recent scientific papers have been written on weight-loss topics like prebiotics and fructans, and The Diet Myth gathers these latest findings into one place, revealing new information about how best to lose weight and manage our bodies. Mixing cutting-edge discoveries, illuminating science, and his own case studies, Spector reveals why we should abandon fads and instead embrace diversity for a balanced diet, a healthy stomach, and a nourished body.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    336 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Abrams Press
  4. Publication date
    September 8, 2015
  5. Dimensions
    6.4 x 1.2 x 9.3 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1468311514
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1468311518
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“[The Diet Myth] is structured as a takedown of diet myths, but it’s much more than a self-help advice book. It’s witty, well-written and broad-ranging, littered with fascinating factoids and case studies. Spector thoughtfully explains the strengths and weaknesses of the available evidence, drawing on research on gut microbes as well as his long-­running studies on the genetics of twins and his own often hilarious experiments with various diets.”
- The New York Times

“The Diet Myth is a fascinating and original look at the impact of food on our bodies, underpinned by cutting-edge research.”
- Dr. Michael Mosley, author of the #1 New York Times Betseller The FastDiet

“A concise, entertaining book that demystifies the benefits of balanced microbes through healthier eating. ”
- Kirkus

“Engaging and wide-ranging, The Diet Myth provides a great summary of the current evidence linking microbes and diet, and shows the intriguing possibilities for monitoring one's own microbes. It points toward exciting future studies and technologies.”
- Dr. Rob Knight, acclaimed author of the TED Talk "How Our Microbes Make Us Who We Are"

“Tim Spector carefully explains that we are NOT what we eat, but rather that our trillions of microbial inhabitants have a thing or two to say. Lucidly written, The Diet Myth provides a first-class education about the conjunction of our microbes and our health.”
- Dr. Martin Blaser, author of Missing Microbes: How the Overuse of Antibiotics is Fueling Our Modern Plague

About the Author

Tim Spector is Professor of Genetic Epidemiology at King’s College London and a consultant physician at Guy’s and St Thomas’s Hospital. He set up the Twins UK register in 1993, the largest of its kind in the world, which he continues to direct. He has appeared in numerous television documentaries and is often interviewed by the media on his team’s research.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Abrams Press; 1st edition (September 8, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1468311514
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1468311518
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.25 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.4 x 1.2 x 9.3 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 334 ratings

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Tim Spector

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
334 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

MKB
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2016
Verified Purchase
One of the best books I have read. I have done a lot of my own research whenever new diets come out and most of what this author discusses is information I have come across. The author condenses the information and pulls it all together to make it more understandable. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and found myself learning new things and understanding why most diets do not work; they are as individual as people-- what works for some, does not work for others.

I have also been following the latest developments on the importance of our gut microbes and this book helps clarify, and put into perspective a new way of looking at ourselves, our nutrition requirements and our relationship to food.

What I liked most about this book is the fact the author is straight-forward and admits that we do not have all of the answers. He is seeking the truth just like everyone else so he does not make any outlandish claims. He is a professor and most of his knowledge is from other studies and his own research with twins. The book even has references that he cites which I appreciate because I like to follow-up with information I find interesting.
31 people found this helpful
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Sumi Von Dassow
4.0 out of 5 stars My only quibble with this book is he is too quick to dismiss studies that yield intriguing results but aren't as rigorous as he would like - for instance he doesn't accept epidemiological studies as ...
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2017
Verified Purchase
A very interesting and well-researched book. The author is a physician who conducts studies on identical twins, which allows him to try different treatments on people with exactly the same genes and compare the results. The book is about how your gut microbes contribute to your health, and how your diet affects your gut microbes. My only quibble with this book is he is too quick to dismiss studies that yield intriguing results but aren't as rigorous as he would like - for instance he doesn't accept epidemiological studies as valid, because indeed such studies can seem to show false correlations, but there are some subjects that it is impossible/unethical to test directly on humans. So as a result he refers to mouse and rat studies rather often. The result is he dismisses health issues that may be valid, such as the effect of nightshade vegetables on some people, and concerns about A2 milk. As is common with doctors, he dismisses concerns that are not statistically significant - but we are all individuals, and some of us may not fit neatly into statistical models. Nevertheless, for the vast majority of us, this book will be illuminating and helpful, whether you are trying to lose weight, solve digestive issues, or simply improve your health.
30 people found this helpful
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Hugh O. Brock
5.0 out of 5 stars I Loved It, And So Did My Bacteria
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2016
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It was a pleasure to let the author lead me on a tour of food, what we know about how it interacts with us and our gut flora, and the huge amount we still do not know about this whole field. I really appreciated his focus on provable, repeatable evidence (double-blind trials) and his caution towards the anecdotal and observational data that leads us astray so often. I also learned a ton, and I loved the stories of self-experiments and their sometimes comical outcomes.

If you want to learn something about your appetite, your body, and your connection to the world around you, read this book.
6 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars It takes a lot of guts...
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2016
Verified Purchase
I'd rate this a five if I thought more people would consider it's value but as is, only those who are serious about science,food and how the GI tract effects us will care about its quality. I think it's a valuable book....another layer of the mystery. I'm experimenting with probiotics...so this report serves me well. Read...May well change your outlook..and your well being.
4 people found this helpful
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Suzanne M Churchman
5.0 out of 5 stars Everything We *Know* About Diets is Wrong
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2023
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I love science based information (most of what we hear is not). This book dispels all the myths about diets and dieting, so you can quit doing diets that will ultimately fail. We should be striving for healthy gut biome.
2 people found this helpful
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sinclair
5.0 out of 5 stars how our bodies use food
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2016
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I am passing this excellent book around. The author does a fine job of explaining the mechanisms of how we process food and extract nutrients and how the digestive system functions as a basis of the immune system. If you ever doubted that it's important to eat properly grown fresh food, doubt no more. Eat plants!
2 people found this helpful
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Just saying...
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting take on the importance of gut bacteria in matters ...
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2015
Verified Purchase
Interesting take on the importance of gut bacteria in matters of health and individual differences in metabolism. This is an emerging field of inquiry and currently of more theoretical than practical value to individuals concerned about their weight. People who have tried various diets in an attempt to lose weight (and maintain weight loss) may gain understanding into why their efforts have been in vain, but I doubt that it will be helpful in solving their problems at this point in time.
4 people found this helpful
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Michelle
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!
Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2020
Verified Purchase
This is such a good read! Not focused on 1 get skinny fast fad! Gives so much information so you can draw your own conclusions. After reading you can determine what is best for YOU!
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Judy Adams
5.0 out of 5 stars Diet Myth
Reviewed in Canada on June 8, 2023
Verified Purchase
Interesting book, nothing earth shattering in it
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Luc Mathis
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
Reviewed in France on December 3, 2015
Verified Purchase
Excellent book on the key topic of "healthier food and diet " by one of the top expert in the field of microbiome. 100% and fully recommended.
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Peter Bodó
5.0 out of 5 stars Empfehlenswertes,interessantes,wissenschaftliches Buch.
Reviewed in Germany on June 16, 2015
Verified Purchase
Ein sehr gutes Buch,voll von neuester Wissenschaft.Es beschreibt die Hintergründe verschiedener Diätmythen aus der Sicht der Dickdarmmikroben.Ich empfehle das Buch.
One person found this helpful
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A.J.
5.0 out of 5 stars What should we eat, and avoid eating.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 5, 2015
Verified Purchase
The Diet Myth by Tim Spector.

What does the book add to our information on the subject?
Professor Spector discusses in depth many of the ideas behind the numerous contrasting diets that have been promoted, often with the backing of major commercial interests and sometimes with governmental support and legislation. Throughout the book he draws attention to the enormous differences between individuals on all sorts of levels. The major addition this book gives is an up to date review of the enormous advances made in the past ten years in our understanding of the importance of our gut microbes.

Qualifications of the author:
Tim Spector is Professor of Genetic Epidemiology at Kings College London. He has published numerous articles on nutrition and causes of obesity, many of these in the past 20 years have involved observations on twins. In 2012 he founded what was then the world's largest gut microbe or microbiome study to investigate people's gut microbes and their relation to health. This was done with the help of the latest gene technology and the 5,000 twins in the Twins UK Study. More recently he launched the British Gut Project which is a crowd-funded experiment linked to the American Gut Project.

In what sort of style is the book written?
Every page is readily understandable, but such a wealth of information is contained that the book as a whole is not a light read. However, the numerous observations on twin pairs and accounts of self-experimentation lighten the tone, making the book easier to digest. A pedant might maintain that the self-experiments and case studies are of little scientific value but this can be countered by arguing that large studies, even meta-analyses, are sometimes biased and anyway may not be applicable to a particular individual. The self-experiments give an insight into Tim Spector's preferences and motivations, but do not prevent him from being rigorous and free of commercial or governmental bias in discussing previous research.
For example, he describes the main reasons for fat having a bad name as beginning in America with the publicity attached to the heart attack of President Eisenhower in 1955 coupled with the Seven Countries Study by Ansel Keys. This paper showed an impressive association between fat intake and the rate of heart disease in the seven countries. Keys actually looked at 22 countries and the correlations were not nearly as impressive or well publicised as in the seven. No matter, Keys's study had a major effect on the press and medical and public opinion. If eating saturated fat is bad, Spector asks why do the French who consume far more of it than the Anglo-Saxons suffer less than a third the rate of heart disease of Brits? Spector then offers a great variety of possible answers and notes that red wine drinking is the most popular explanation. He notes elsewhere that there may be numerous possible explanations for certain findings, but people, especially 'experts', have a tendency to fixate on one favoured interpretation often with a religious fervency.
Regarding gut microbes, Prof. Spector points out that until about 10 years ago the only way to investigate gut bacteria was to culture them into visible colonies. It turned out that only about 1% of these bacteria are easy to grow and they are mostly the harmful ones. It is possible to deliver mice by caesarean section aseptically and rear them in a germ free environment; such mice are free of gut bacteria but tend to be unhealthy and require about a third more food to get the same benefit. Spector describes how a colleague who had a planned caesarean section took care to smear around the mouth and eyes of her newborn baby a tampon that she had put in her vagina and surrounding area; the baby developed a healthy microbiome. During the past 10 years gene-sequencing methods have uncovered the other 99% of gut bacteria, most of which are never harmful. The book gives numerous examples of how this knowledge has revolutionised our understanding of nutrition. As a general rule the more diverse the microbiome the better. Towards the end of the book readers are invited to have their own gut bacteria checked. A donation of £125 is required for two samples. I made such a donation on May 25 but have not yet received the kit. Anyway, I think the book is well worth reading.
14 people found this helpful
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Emilian
5.0 out of 5 stars Helps anyone to make informed choices
Reviewed in Canada on February 22, 2016
Verified Purchase
Very well documented book, with information covering all kinds of diets (where the word "diet" covers whatever kind of food someone chooses to eat), with an accent on studying the ingredients used on the so called "Western diet" and comparing those to what's used on various other types of diets. It shows great effort to document.
I recommend this book to anyone interested to better understand how the health is influenced by the choices made regarding food.
One person found this helpful
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