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Elizabeth Takes Off: ON WEIGHT GAIN, WEIGHT LOSS SELF-IMAGE AND SELF-ESTEEM.
Even movie stars are human enough to gain weight, then lose it, only to put on more than ever before. But for them the consequences are all the more devastating. When it happened to Elizabeth Taylor, it was in the glare of media bulbs and the unblinking public eye. When she finally looked hard at herself in the mirror, she said, "I could not believe what I had become."
In this frank, compelling account, Elizabeth tells what it was like to go from screen goddess to downright fat, before her own horrified eyes. She talks about this life's wear and tear that drove her to eating extremes and about the unforgiving eye cast upon her by friends and fans alike. By turns poignant and funny- "Oh no, Great White Whale," she says to herself at one point, mid-diet, on her way to the refrigerator Elizabeth is as honest as those who know and admire her would expect her to be. In this very personal account, she takes a hard, long look at the role self-esteem has played in her own life. She examines our weight obsessed era and the ramifications it has on someone who goes from one glorious extreme to its opposite. And she reveals the courage and perseverance it took to turn herself around-to climb to even greater glory than before.
Elizabeth Taylor's triumph is, as she puts it, "a victory for anyone who has ever lost their self-image and self-esteem," and she generously shares what she's learned-including her personal diet and exercise system and invaluable weight-loss tips-to encourage others to achieve the joy and redoubtable energy that come with winning back your self-esteem.
Even movie stars are human enough to gain weight, then lose it, only to put on more than ever before. But for them the consequences are all the more devastating. When it happened to Elizabeth Taylor, it was in the glare of media bulbs and the unblinking public eye. When she finally looked hard at herself in the mirror, she said, "I could not believe what I had become."
In this frank, compelling account, Elizabeth tells what it was like to go from screen goddess to downright fat, before her own horrified eyes. She talks about this life's wear and tear that drove her to eating extremes and about the unforgiving eye cast upon her by friends and fans alike. By turns poignant and funny- "Oh no, Great White Whale," she says to herself at one point, mid-diet, on her way to the refrigerator Elizabeth is as honest as those who know and admire her would expect her to be. In this very personal account, she takes a hard, long look at the role self-esteem has played in her own life. She examines our weight obsessed era and the ramifications it has on someone who goes from one glorious extreme to its opposite. And she reveals the courage and perseverance it took to turn herself around-to climb to even greater glory than before.
Elizabeth Taylor's triumph is, as she puts it, "a victory for anyone who has ever lost their self-image and self-esteem," and she generously shares what she's learned-including her personal diet and exercise system and invaluable weight-loss tips-to encourage others to achieve the joy and redoubtable energy that come with winning back your self-esteem.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
About the author
Elizabeth Taylor
25 books84 followersDame Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor, DBE is a two-time Academy Award-winning English-American actress. Known for her acting skills and beauty, as well as her Hollywood lifestyle, including many marriages, she is considered one of the great actresses of Hollywood’s golden years, as well as a larger-than-life celebrity.
The American Film Institute named Taylor seventh among the Greatest Female Stars of All Time.
Taylor died on March 23, 2011, surrounded by her four children at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 79.
The American Film Institute named Taylor seventh among the Greatest Female Stars of All Time.
Taylor died on March 23, 2011, surrounded by her four children at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 79.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 15, 2023
TBH, I read this after listening to the Maintenance Phase episode covering the book, curious to see what Liz's story really was. Her diet is pretty common for the time it was written, all low fat, low carb. Items such as skinless chicken breast and steamed veggies. But she does insist, as do nutritionists, that you eat colorful fruits and vegetables and lean protein, and limit your sweets and starches. Nothing that unusual, although her ability as a celebrity to afford the fancier foods meant that her cookbook recommends dishes such as crab and lobster that we plebes may find a bit out of the normal weekday menu.
The real "meat" of this memoir/diet book is the first half, and Liz's discussion of her childhood, many loves and marriages, and many disappointments and emotional issues. These chapters are meant to give the reader/future dieter an understanding of Elizabeth's struggles around her weight and how she dealt successfully with them, *and you can too!*.
My hot take is that yes, she does hate being fat, and she does demonstrate a level of fat phobia and fat shaming, mostly of herself but occasionally of other unnamed women. Yet she also counsels the dieter to set reasonable goals, be kind to yourself, allow a few cheat meals, rally one's support network, and love yourself because "...you are the only judge and jury. You have to answer only to yourself so ease up on the prosecution and hurry over to the defense". Pretty decent advice, I'd say.
This book is hardly the worst diet book I've ever read, some of those being much more recent visions of disordered eating than this fairly innocuous celebrity diet. It's unlikely most would stick to this low-calorie diet for long, but at least it focuses on the dieter getting their nutrition from real foods, not just a handful of vitamins and a protein shake.
The real "meat" of this memoir/diet book is the first half, and Liz's discussion of her childhood, many loves and marriages, and many disappointments and emotional issues. These chapters are meant to give the reader/future dieter an understanding of Elizabeth's struggles around her weight and how she dealt successfully with them, *and you can too!*.
My hot take is that yes, she does hate being fat, and she does demonstrate a level of fat phobia and fat shaming, mostly of herself but occasionally of other unnamed women. Yet she also counsels the dieter to set reasonable goals, be kind to yourself, allow a few cheat meals, rally one's support network, and love yourself because "...you are the only judge and jury. You have to answer only to yourself so ease up on the prosecution and hurry over to the defense". Pretty decent advice, I'd say.
This book is hardly the worst diet book I've ever read, some of those being much more recent visions of disordered eating than this fairly innocuous celebrity diet. It's unlikely most would stick to this low-calorie diet for long, but at least it focuses on the dieter getting their nutrition from real foods, not just a handful of vitamins and a protein shake.
August 2, 2026
This is not a typical Hollywood bio, instead Elizabeth Taylor has written a memoir about how and why she gained weight and consequently, how she was able to lose it. As she analyzes why she gained weight, she does discuss her past, including several Hollywood stories, and several of her husbands.
Some of Liz’s style would not hold up today as she refers to herself and others as “fatties” and her diet plan is a restrictive 1,000 calorie a day one that would not be endorsed by most nutritionists today.
I really enjoyed this one, and felt Liz really opens up as she tells readers her trials and tribulations. Some readers will be disappointed that Liz does not go into details about her movie sets and husbands, but if you are ok with getting just a little of that, but also getting Liz’s Tuna Salad recipe, then you will really enjoy this one!
Some of Liz’s style would not hold up today as she refers to herself and others as “fatties” and her diet plan is a restrictive 1,000 calorie a day one that would not be endorsed by most nutritionists today.
I really enjoyed this one, and felt Liz really opens up as she tells readers her trials and tribulations. Some readers will be disappointed that Liz does not go into details about her movie sets and husbands, but if you are ok with getting just a little of that, but also getting Liz’s Tuna Salad recipe, then you will really enjoy this one!
January 7, 2022
I’m unsure of what to think about this book. At its best, it’s an interesting introspection by someone who lived through the ‘glamour’ of Old Hollywood first-hand and didn’t come out unscathed (there are a good handful of mentions of her drink and pills addiction).
There’s a great deal of sympathy for those struggling with their weight, although this is intertwined with horrible remarks about herself (she may have lost the weight, but she never forgave herself).
If you want to read a full biography on Liz or get a good guide on nutrition, this book is neither. And yet, if you find yourself a cheap copy and are curious about the violet-eyed enchantress, why not?
There’s a great deal of sympathy for those struggling with their weight, although this is intertwined with horrible remarks about herself (she may have lost the weight, but she never forgave herself).
If you want to read a full biography on Liz or get a good guide on nutrition, this book is neither. And yet, if you find yourself a cheap copy and are curious about the violet-eyed enchantress, why not?
June 2, 2020
I read this purely for entertainment purposes since her 1000 calories a day is a restrictive diet that is probably considered unhealthy for the average person. It's the memoir part of the book that has intrigued me and I was curiously to read about the stories behind the headlines from Taylor's perspective. She didn't talk too much about the details of her marriages but only that she didn't seem to regret any of the things she did. I find Taylor to have been quite attached to her looks, what other people thought of her and how many complimented on her beauty - she seemed quite vain but what could you except from a woman who grew up in the spotlight of Hollywood where one's worth is solely judged by the outside packaging. In her fiftieth, Taylor knew she could no longer rely only on beauty and became more active in worthy causes such as the fight against AIDS. I suppose it takes one to lose looks and youth to turn to more productive endeavors, but I suppose better late than never.
June 19, 2012
I ordered this book from Paperback Swap shortly after Ms. Taylor died. I guess I was looking for a biography or something that would talk about her incredible life. What I got was a lecture about how if you eat too much you disappear into suet + recipes for her favorite diet foods. Not interested.
July 23, 2026
I always knew I had an affinity with Elizabeth Taylor! Her advice and experience spoke directly to me. She definitely knows what she's talking about. Will put it into practice now. Thanks E.T. (R.I.P.)
Read
January 14, 2016So good.
July 8, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book. I like her mindset and the way she writes, and I even found her dieting advice pretty valuable! It was just fun to read!
June 25, 2026
Read this knowing I am not reviewing the book but rather leaving notes and asides to remind me of my readings year to year. Much of my prolific reading was lost from childhood on, but perhaps today’s children can use the tools now available and be more vigorous in their record keeping.
A friend reporting reading this in the past week, simply for a lark. The camp value. !Liz Gets Fat! I thought, "It's been a rough week. I could use a laugh, so I interlibrary loaned it from the library. It wasn't what I thought it would be. The first part of the book is Ms. Taylor's life and acting career, culminating in her marriage to Senator John Warner, becoming a Congressional wife (can you imagine? But it's true) and getting fat in her loneliness and sorrow. She had nothing to do but eat. No work. And then campaign trails and more bad food.
She writes, if she wrote this, with feeling of knowing how you yourself have to hit the point where you say, "I'm going to do something about this," and then take charge. Did I learn anything about dieting or control or will power? No. Most women know these words. Know the drill. I found myself agreeing with her words, if they were her words. Regardless, it was an interesting book, and whoever wrote it, they wrote it with honesty, and I have to imagine she put her seal of approval on it. It made me hate John Belushi all over again for mocking her at her fattest on the television show SNL. He would also mock others including a very drunk Joe Cocker. His entire persona seemed to be contrived of being hip and in the know more than the average Joe or Jane. What did he know? Dying of a combination of drugs at the Chateau Marmont, Bungalow 8. How tragically hip.
I came for a giggle myself. I left appreciating that Taylor wrote a sound no-nonsense book about what happens when we become derailed...and better yet, how to fix it.
A friend reporting reading this in the past week, simply for a lark. The camp value. !Liz Gets Fat! I thought, "It's been a rough week. I could use a laugh, so I interlibrary loaned it from the library. It wasn't what I thought it would be. The first part of the book is Ms. Taylor's life and acting career, culminating in her marriage to Senator John Warner, becoming a Congressional wife (can you imagine? But it's true) and getting fat in her loneliness and sorrow. She had nothing to do but eat. No work. And then campaign trails and more bad food.
She writes, if she wrote this, with feeling of knowing how you yourself have to hit the point where you say, "I'm going to do something about this," and then take charge. Did I learn anything about dieting or control or will power? No. Most women know these words. Know the drill. I found myself agreeing with her words, if they were her words. Regardless, it was an interesting book, and whoever wrote it, they wrote it with honesty, and I have to imagine she put her seal of approval on it. It made me hate John Belushi all over again for mocking her at her fattest on the television show SNL. He would also mock others including a very drunk Joe Cocker. His entire persona seemed to be contrived of being hip and in the know more than the average Joe or Jane. What did he know? Dying of a combination of drugs at the Chateau Marmont, Bungalow 8. How tragically hip.
I came for a giggle myself. I left appreciating that Taylor wrote a sound no-nonsense book about what happens when we become derailed...and better yet, how to fix it.
July 23, 2022
Elizabeth Taylor didn’t write a memoir, so I just have this instead lmao. Being a weight-loss book, it is very focused on well. Weight loss/ body image, but Liz’s distinctive voice and conviction shines through the pages. So down to earth yet accomplished! She’s definitely a role model.
It also offers brief reflections on movie stardom and childhood, as half of the book is rather semi-autobiographical. Liz also has a very nice approach to self image and confidence! I love her tremendously.
The dieting advice and recipes themselves are… though… ehhh. Liz knows what she’s talking about more than those idiotic crash paleo-keto-whatever the fuck diet “doctors” who just spew pseudo-scientific crap at you without understanding basic laws of conservation (calories!) and she understands some concepts of long term health and volumeeating. She’s also perceptive enough to tell you to consult actual doctors. On the other hand, an average day in her diet consists of around 1000 calories, and I think that’s not really healthy for the vast majority of people. Especially young girls!! Never go below 1200 calories, I don’t care if you’re 4’11!
It also offers brief reflections on movie stardom and childhood, as half of the book is rather semi-autobiographical. Liz also has a very nice approach to self image and confidence! I love her tremendously.
The dieting advice and recipes themselves are… though… ehhh. Liz knows what she’s talking about more than those idiotic crash paleo-keto-whatever the fuck diet “doctors” who just spew pseudo-scientific crap at you without understanding basic laws of conservation (calories!) and she understands some concepts of long term health and volumeeating. She’s also perceptive enough to tell you to consult actual doctors. On the other hand, an average day in her diet consists of around 1000 calories, and I think that’s not really healthy for the vast majority of people. Especially young girls!! Never go below 1200 calories, I don’t care if you’re 4’11!
July 5, 2026
We learn why she gained and lost weight, followed by her own diet recipes of a diet that worked for her. I tried to enjoy it but couldn’t, some of the recipes are way too extravagant while her advice is something people nowadays know about is common knowledge. I’m sure back then this was the ultimate and helpful diet book but in todays standard it’s passed. The research however and self discovery is well organized and put together. There are recipes she has graciously provided, two I very much want to try, Spicy Chicken and Chocolate Fantasy. Overall, if you’re an Elizabeth Taylor fan, and want to know if it’s worth reading, pass it. Focus more on her recipes which sound delicious.
The story about herself and her weight gained was hard to read as she was extremely hard on herself and out herself down because of it, which is unlike Elizabeth to do so. She really disciplined herself to the extreme of losing weight and the entire process of how she felt, and how it affected her in the long run.
The story about herself and her weight gained was hard to read as she was extremely hard on herself and out herself down because of it, which is unlike Elizabeth to do so. She really disciplined herself to the extreme of losing weight and the entire process of how she felt, and how it affected her in the long run.
April 1, 2024
With eyes wide open and a knowledge of Taylor's bio, I read this because her weight really was an issue throughout the 70s and 80s. She writes of discipline, self-esteem and confidence in the voice of a generation for whom a lot of those mindsets were intertwined and not always in a good way.
Yet she also writes in a progressive tone about wellness, forgiveness and knowledge of herself, not just the public person. However, it's clear she had more work done than just the dieting it took for her to return to a size 6 and 120 lbs. In 1987, I guess she didn't feel she could be that forthcoming or transparent. It's a snapshot of the time and in Taylor's voice, a reminder that hers was not always an easy life, but she did live it well.
FWIW, this inscription definitely adds perspective and context to Taylor's message and audience. My used copy was originally given as a gift "To my wife with all my love. Happy Valentines Day, 1988 Husband James."
Yet she also writes in a progressive tone about wellness, forgiveness and knowledge of herself, not just the public person. However, it's clear she had more work done than just the dieting it took for her to return to a size 6 and 120 lbs. In 1987, I guess she didn't feel she could be that forthcoming or transparent. It's a snapshot of the time and in Taylor's voice, a reminder that hers was not always an easy life, but she did live it well.
FWIW, this inscription definitely adds perspective and context to Taylor's message and audience. My used copy was originally given as a gift "To my wife with all my love. Happy Valentines Day, 1988 Husband James."
April 27, 2026
This is Elizabeth Taylor's weight-loss story and solution, in all its lobster/squab/different expensive fish-every-night-of-the-week glory. It includes a comprehensive two-week meal plan (different fruit for every breakfast!) I don't know why I'm being so sarcastic about an out-moded 1980s dietetic regimen--the memoir that preceeds it is absolute gold. Taylor's personality is as big as one of her diamonds, and it's amazing to read all the different ways she can describe her low self esteem, her poor self image, and her fatness. Today's world would call this "fat-shaming" but Elizabeth Taylor calls it honesty. Wow! What a read. Very fun (even if you gloss over all the crazy low-call mayonaisse-based dressings).
September 5, 2019
I got a kick out of this book. Imagine (!!!!!) a big movie star admitting she got FAT. and even better, how she LOST the weight! it was a hoot. The book became a big seller as I remember. She was the first celebritity I think that told something different than they usually do. She talked like a normal woman who let her weight get away from her. Of course, La Liz had solutions in the book that were pretty good (and common sense) that anybody could follow. She also had help by certain chefs and big name restaurants helping her in her trek to Skinny land.
June 13, 2024
"Elizabeth Takes Off" is an inspiring and candid memoir and diet book by Elizabeth Taylor that chronicles her personal journey towards health and self-discovery through her massive and necessary weight loss in the 1980’s. Taylor's honest reflections on her struggles and triumphs make this book both relatable and motivational. Her wit, resilience, and determination shine through every page, offering readers valuable life lessons and a deep appreciation for her strength. This memoir is a must-read for anyone seeking weight loss inspiration from one of Hollywood's most iconic stars
May 17, 2021
Our writer shares her life story in the first half of the book. Juicy details of all of her marriages and reasons for her varied lifestyles and habits were shared. Then she goes into the diet portion of her book, sharing the recipes she used and exercises she completed. Dated at times as she used the term “fatties” quite often when discussing herself before losing the weight and others who are obese; I still enjoyed the book. The photos are also fun.
September 28, 2017
Even though I got the wrong book this one was entertaining to say the least lol she definitely didn't mind calling a fatty a fatty....especially if that fatty was her. The first half the book was memoirish so that was nice. I didn't read every single recipe lol steak with peanut butter on it?@ I still can't wrap my mind around that one.
August 21, 2025
the insight into her life was nice, the first part was the most enjoyable. the rest aged like spoiled milk, miss liz why are we feeding the people 1000 calories a day ?!?!? always captivated by the woman that she is and what she accomplished, especially her humanitarian efforts, but good god.
January 7, 2019
Awesome ! It was easy to read.
June 17, 2024
Liz Taylor was very beautiful lady and this book tells you a little about how she maintained that beauty.
August 22, 2023
I don't know how one begins rating a diet book that you read somewhat tongue-in-cheek out of respect and curiosity of the fabulous Elizabeth Taylor.
That being said, Liz is a fascinating case study because her fatness and appetites were center stage all of her life, playing a part in her identity even when she was thin, famously eating hamburgers and drink gallons of jack Daniels while jetsetting around the world with Richard, gaining weight purposefully for Whose Afraid, having paparazzi analyze her body more than royalty or politicians.
There's so much more I want to know about her appetites, her consumption, her joys. Her attitude towards Richard is very "it was fun while it lasted". The reality is those two had a deep love and passion for each other than could not be sustained through either of their addictions. There's so much more under the surface there. I view addiction, consumption, body image and sense of self as all parts of the same enchilada called having a human fucking body that needs to do stuff. It's all connected to our brains, our traumas, misogyny and our sexualities and fears and our loves. Someone should write a book on that, and I wish Liz could contribute.
But! Does this book satisfy some of my curiosities about what makes me favorite old broad tick? Absolutely. And does it also satisfy my desire to chortle at old diet recipes suggesting I mix cottage cheese with cubed melon and then do water aerobics? Yes.
Does it fulfill my need to get to the bottom of how we view female consumption, whether in the form of sex, food or blood (rage) and rebuild that for a more luscious, accepting and less self hating next 100? No, but this broad is a proto pioneer in more ways than are inherently obvious. The almost joyful way she comes up with a million different nicknames to disparage her size is both a symptom of a society that hates fat and a sign that Liz was just itching to call herself a fat person with no holds barred the way fat activists now are finally feeling free to. I don't think she knew that, but I think it's there. Ironically this bitch who called herself John De Large woulda been Lizzos biggest advocate in 2022.
That being said, Liz is a fascinating case study because her fatness and appetites were center stage all of her life, playing a part in her identity even when she was thin, famously eating hamburgers and drink gallons of jack Daniels while jetsetting around the world with Richard, gaining weight purposefully for Whose Afraid, having paparazzi analyze her body more than royalty or politicians.
There's so much more I want to know about her appetites, her consumption, her joys. Her attitude towards Richard is very "it was fun while it lasted". The reality is those two had a deep love and passion for each other than could not be sustained through either of their addictions. There's so much more under the surface there. I view addiction, consumption, body image and sense of self as all parts of the same enchilada called having a human fucking body that needs to do stuff. It's all connected to our brains, our traumas, misogyny and our sexualities and fears and our loves. Someone should write a book on that, and I wish Liz could contribute.
But! Does this book satisfy some of my curiosities about what makes me favorite old broad tick? Absolutely. And does it also satisfy my desire to chortle at old diet recipes suggesting I mix cottage cheese with cubed melon and then do water aerobics? Yes.
Does it fulfill my need to get to the bottom of how we view female consumption, whether in the form of sex, food or blood (rage) and rebuild that for a more luscious, accepting and less self hating next 100? No, but this broad is a proto pioneer in more ways than are inherently obvious. The almost joyful way she comes up with a million different nicknames to disparage her size is both a symptom of a society that hates fat and a sign that Liz was just itching to call herself a fat person with no holds barred the way fat activists now are finally feeling free to. I don't think she knew that, but I think it's there. Ironically this bitch who called herself John De Large woulda been Lizzos biggest advocate in 2022.
August 26, 2013
my dear friend sara recommended this book to me after i expressed delight at the made-for-tv film "liz & dick" featuring lindsay lohan. indeed, i spent many happy minutes poring over the recipes in this book, which are filled with mayonnaise and artificial sweetener. also hamburger on toast with peanut butter (!!!!).
here is a good article to read in conjunction with this book:
http://nymag.com/thecut/2012/08/the-l...
i had to kind of skim through liz actually writing about her weight throughout her life to find fun tidbits like her talent for predicting horrible accidents. also the pictures are really fun.
here is a good article to read in conjunction with this book:
http://nymag.com/thecut/2012/08/the-l...
i had to kind of skim through liz actually writing about her weight throughout her life to find fun tidbits like her talent for predicting horrible accidents. also the pictures are really fun.
February 5, 2012
I suspect that Elizabeth Taylor's being so beautiful took a lot of pressure off her to be interesting. She sounds like a regular woman you might know who has recently lost some weight and has some tips to share.
There were a few memorable statements in this book:
"My sense of right and wrong make it very difficult for me to have an affair."
"I've never thought of myself as beautiful."
"I loved every second of puberty."
Most curious of all, in each of her steak and hamburger recipes Taylor recommends topping the meat with a layer of peanut butter.
There were a few memorable statements in this book:
"My sense of right and wrong make it very difficult for me to have an affair."
"I've never thought of myself as beautiful."
"I loved every second of puberty."
Most curious of all, in each of her steak and hamburger recipes Taylor recommends topping the meat with a layer of peanut butter.
June 16, 2011
this was about 2/3 autobiography complete with glossy photos, and 1/3 diet advice and terrible recipe book. I really enjoyed it, I didn't know anything about Liz before and she really comes across as a warm, glowing, wonderful person. Also because she's done so much addiction recovery work she's hugely honest about why she abused food, which was interesting and a big surprise.
August 26, 2011
Her struggle with weight and how she lost 50 lbs (plus recipes.)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews