Book excerpt: About the Book AN EXPERT SHINES A LIGHT ON THE OFTEN CONFUSING AND CONTRADICTORY ADVICE OFFERED ON THE SUBJECT OF WEIGHT LOSS Women and the Weight Loss Tamasha is based on health and nutrition fundamentals and principles. This book by renowned nutritionist, Rujuta Diwekar, who helps women in losing weight, toning their bodies, bringing the glow on their faces and some sort of wisdom in their brains. The women have to concentrate on their weight issues right from their puberty, marriage, pregnancy to menopause. The body weight fluctuates with these hormonal changes in their bodies. The author gives details about all the changes that a woman goes through during these phases. Indian women have to consider many other factors—hormonal changes; in-laws, children, career, house help and what not! Also, a woman's overall well-being is directly related to her body weight. The author emphasises on the four pillars of health—Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep and Relationships—in the book. Special stress is laid on lifestyle disorders such as PCOD, hypothyroidism and diabetes. The author has rubbished common myths related to food, hormones and exercises. According to the author, theories that pregnancy, hypothyroidism and menopause are related to weight are not valid. A woman can maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout her life by following some simple health tips. This edition, unlike her first edition is diverse in many ways. The chapter related to lifestyle disorders has thrown light on the subjects of PCOD and hypothyroidism; that have become very common. The author has stretched herself beyond food, to cover exercise and sleep; which are crucial and important aspects of a person’s health.