“Lose It For Life” Book Review

One of the most comprehensive books that I have read on the spiritual/emotional/relational/physical aspects of weight loss, is Stephen Arterburn and Dr. Linda Mintle’s book, Lose it for Life (LIFL). This book works with any doctor-approved food plan and the focus is on healthy-but-doable lifestyle and personal changes. At the back of the book there are: recipes, a food journal chart, a glycemic food index, physical exercises, 2 weight loss food plans, a walking plan to lose weight in 30 days, and a 10 minute workout.

As a therapist, I like the book’s incorporation of the relational and emotional dimensions of eating issues. Relationship problems in a person’s life can impact their eating habits, and the reverse is true as well. According to the authors, one of the reasons that weight loss often is not permanent is that the underlying issues have not been addressed and resolved. Some of those unresolved issues that can trigger overeating are feelings of emotional hunger, unmet needs, loneliness, past abuse, relationship fears, etc. can typically be identified and resolved through professional Counseling.

As with any type of addiction, there is always a possibility of relapse. This book provides a helpful section on signs of relapse, its phases, and relapse prevention. The authors have had their own personal experiences with using food to dysfunctionally cope with their issues. Their honesty and openness is refreshing and adds to the practicality of this book: real people with real problems have overcome their eating issues, and it can give hope to readers who wonder if they can permanently lose weight.

The spiritual dimension of weight loss is woven throughout the book, but it can be summed up with this quote: “It is through a deeper relationship with God and others that hope and encouragement will flood your soul” (pg xiv). Community is a key part of being successful in achieving permanent weight loss, based on the LIFL principles, but ultimately there is an emphasis on relying on God, yet doing your part to get better. This is something that I believe is true in many aspects of life and the authors make an excellent point: “We must refuse to blame anyone else for the extra weight and acknowledge that we are responsible, yet we can’t fix this on our own power. This is the balance of surrendering to God: we allow God to do what we cannot do, but we do what we can” (pg 31).

The Lose it for Life book shows readers in very practical ways how to make better choices with their eating habits and related thought patterns, relationships, and in their relationship with God. This thorough and balanced approach can help people not only develop the skills to maintain a healthy weight, but at the same time it encourages personal, relational, and spiritual growth to become a more whole and healthy person overall.