Covert Bailey's Fit Or Fat: Height-Weight Charts That Work

Following the success of his Fit or Fat for the 90s special (reviewed in our June 1992 issue), pop scientist Covert Bailey returns with his own 13-part series. Calling the relentless cycle of fad dieting followed by overeating, the "rhythm method of girth control," Bailey exhorts viewers to learn the facts about their bodies, and the safe ways of losing weight. In Height-Weight Charts That Work, he shows how traditional height/weight charts do not take into account a person's frame, and why it's important to know one's fat to lean tissue ratio. Using examples of two individuals with the same height and weight but different lean tissue weights, Bailey points out that the optimum weight for each will be different--even though they are the same weight and gender. In his own inimitable nerdy scientist way, Bailey disarmingly says things to his mostly-female audience that would earn most males a slap in the chops (when it comes to talking about "fat," he doesn't use politically corret camouflage terms like "horizontally-impaired"). But it's the open and often funny quality of Bailey's approach that makes it work so well. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Other titles in the series include: Pot Bellies and Thunder Thighs, Mistakes Fitness Buffs Make, Steroids, Cholesterol and Other Fats, and Food and Fitness Foolishness. (See THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: GOIN BACK TO T-TOWN for availability.)