Book excerpt: This updated encyclopedia examines the basics of nutrition and dieting, presenting the important people, concepts, and criticisms involved and examining the pros and cons of different plans. This A-to-Z reference describes many of the health fads and fashions of the past as well as current trends in weight loss to help people understand the principles of weight loss and the benefits of healthy choices. The authors help to identity effective means of losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, placing particular emphasis on weight-loss programs aimed at young people who struggle most with obesity, eating disorders, and body image. The book explores what works, what is potentially dangerous, and what scientists are discovering about nutrition, while also offering sustainable advice for keeping fit. The second edition of Encyclopedia of Diet Fads includes many updated, expanded, and completely new entries, as well as the latest information on diets and reviews many popular diet trends like the Atkins Diet, the Zone Diet, Weight Watchers, and Medifast. The book is organized by alphabetical entries regarding nutrition, exercise, and famous and infamous diet-promoters. Readers can learn more about an area that interests them through cross-referenced sections and a prolific list of additional resources. A selection of appendixes contains practical information such as how to evaluate diets and recipes.