The No Diet Diet: Do Something Different

"The main idea behind this book is that by doing new and interesting things you can break the old habits that have stopped you from losing weight. Apparently overweight people people tend to be habit bound and less flexible in their behaviour than slim people.

The book contains tasks that encourage you to break habits - such as not watching TV for a day, or getting up one hour earlier than usual. By doing tasks like this you'll probably be more active - which could help you lose weight.

So, I do think the philosophy behind the book will help you lose weight,
but it's so long-winded and at times seems to want you to change your whole personality - e.g. if you're normally conventional, act unconventionally for a day, or vice versa.

Overall verdict - sound advice, but too long-winded and complicated. The book could be summed up in one sentence: Do new things and you'll be less likely to focus on food, so you'll 'eat to live' rather than 'live to eat'.

Wendy Green Author of The Greatest Slimming & Healthy Living Tips in the World

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~ Written on 2008-05-16

"I think this book borders on the nonsensical. It claims to be based on years of academic research. Where are the references to the articles published on refereed journals?

I sincerely do not understand the link between 'doing something different' and losing weight. In order to lose weight your caloric intake must be less than your caloric consumption. It is as simple as that. Where does 'doing something different' enter the equation?

To me this book is nonsense. The fact that is written by academics does not enhance its credibility. Just being an academic does not mean that your work and conclusions are correct. The title professor does not have any value in itself. I would like these researcher to prove scientifically the link between 'doing something different' and losing weight. Write an energy balance equation and show me that the variable 'doing something different' is an energy sink which causes the body to lose weight."
~ Written on 2008-01-29

"This book goes beyond weight loss and having coached one of my (obese) clients using the principles outlined here, I know it works. Reading and living the simple-to-implement ideas is fun which makes it my recommended book for people struggling with weight and the attached low self-esteem and low confidence issues. I am going so far as to recommend it to the "Books on Prescription" project many local libraries are now running for health issues. Having heard Chris Evans (Radio 2 DJ) and The Daily Telegraph give high praise for Professor Fletcher and Dr Pine's work I am in good company. My client had this to say about or work together, where the `Do Something Different' theme was a constant thread:

"You are an inspiration. I was always re-energised to take on the world, and all my demons, after our sessions. They were inspiring and encouraging and really helped me focus. I want to bottle it and give myself a mini-session each and every morning to make sure I get the most out of the day... you've provided me with the tools and techniques to new ways of thinking, approaching things, shaking things up etc to help me achieve what I want."

Quite simply, if weight's been a constant problem in your life and it's dragged you towards depressive and/or low-confidence tendencies, this book will make more of a difference than anything else you're likely to have tried.
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~ Written on 2007-06-13

"this book is fantastic! i heard the prof on the radio, so I bought the book. after only 2 days I find myself feeling more positive, and I noticed I CHOSE not to eat all my lunch without really thinking about it! a first for me. also its great fun to do, lots of tiny little tasks that don t feel hard at all, and the theory makes perfect sense. I think the people who gave only one star should try it out before they condemn - not one of them has actually done the tasks, just don t believe the theory. I really really recommend this book. "
~ Written on 2006-07-08

"I bought the book 1,5 month ago. I have read the first chapters but I can't get startet with the actually tasks. I didn't watch my shows for 1 evening and then... nothing. It is not as easy as everybody is telling. I do like the aproach, but maybe the writers could have stimulated me more. Hopefully I will continue.."
~ Written on 2006-03-01