Syndrome W: A Woman's Guide to Reversing Midlife Weight Gain

by Harriette R. Mogul M.D. M.P.H.

As seen on The Rachael Ray Show! If you’re a woman of a “certain age”, you know what we’re talking about—that unexplained weight gain that creeps up no matter what you try to do to stop it. Enter Syndrome W, the book named for the metabolic condition caused by abnormal insulin levels commonly found in women aged 30 to 60. Dr. Harriette R. Mogul, the physician who discovered the condition, shows how it can be reversed when properly diagnosed and treated so you can regain your waistline! From understanding the symptoms, to finding a doctor who can help, to creating a food and exercise plan, and beyond, Dr. Mogul provides the practical tips that will help you reverse Syndrome W. In addition to providing the tools you need to understand and fix Syndrome W, Dr. Mogul provides mouth-watering recipes, including Tailgate Turkey Chili, Wildflower Crab Cake with Vanilla Mango-Chutney and Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette, Wild Mushroom Sauté, and Concord Grape and Burgundy Poached Pears with Quinoa Crisp Cookies, each specially designed to complement the treatment for correcting Syndrome W—forever!

Genres: Nonfiction, Health

280 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2005

Reviews

[Flo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. I had never heard of it but I was curious. The first part of the book didn't do very much for me. The author talks about a program that she helped devise that consisted of getting tested to see if you have syndrome w and if so, get prescribed, Metformin. I almost stopped reading at that point. But then she began talking about the importance of a carb-modified diet and she got me interested again. She was very specific about what to eat and not eat which I appreciate. A lot of books are very vague about what exactly, i.e. calories, amounts, can be eaten. She even suggests that if you like sweets, keep it to once a week. She also tells you how caloric it can be. Again, a lot of books just tell you not to eat them. As if, it's a easy as that. I'm interested in seeing if what she says about no carbs (breads, bagels, oatmeal) for breakfast and lunch does anything. It's a good reference book and I found you could pick and choose what works for you. I also like the fact that she tells you not to beat yourself up about not wanting to exercise. Most books, tell you to just do it but she provides research about how exercise doesn't really cause weight loss. You're better off watching what and how much you eat.

[Paula Kramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not one to read for fun. But if you want to find out if you have Syndrome W you'll have to get your physician on board and get a test done on your insulin resistance. This book was given to me by a Dr. (Melanie) I think it explains a lot about why older women put on 20 or so pounds in midlife to older age. Of course, it's not a cure all for losing weight, but does give an alternative to be tested for. I think I'll have the test done just for the heck of it. It does involve a diet change, but it doesn't look like it's an unbearable thing to change for a better life.

[Jeff Duffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Mogul explains how the drug metformin can be used to treat a syndrome in women related to elevated blood insulin. Taking metformin and making some life style changes that involve eating behaviors can lead to sustained weight loss and better health. Dr. Mogul recommends that women eat no starches before 4 p.m. and never eat free sugar. Daily food servings on the Mogul protocol include 4 proteins, 4 vegetables, 3 fruits, 3 starches, 2 fats, and 2 low-fat dairy foods. She explains this and provides practical ideas about carrying out the protocol.
I was surprised to learn that what we eat early in the day significantly affects how hungry we are later. The good news: With metformin, the program appears possible; the weight loss, sustainable. The bad news: The program requires some cooking and planning to do it well.

[Christie Litchfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author does a great job explaining what happens to some women as they age in regards to their metabolism. Many great practical tips about eating and how some women may need to alter how much of certain foods they eat, but also alter when they eat those foods. The author does a strong sales pitch on some women taking Metaformin as a way to alter what is happening metabolically in the body. That was one thing that I wasn't a huge fan of in reading this book because I strive to not take medication unless no other natural remedy exists. Lots of great down to earth advice in this book. Also, contains many recipes in the back of the book to go along with health suggestions.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author raises a lot of interesting points and actually pointed me in a different direction than I would have expected in pursuing some health issues. I was skeptical about the diet and about how satiated one would feel simply by moving your carbs to the afternoon, but oddly enough, I tried it out (only my3rd day)and the cravings are just not there. I'm flabbergasted to see them disappear as I'm now at a point in my life that I felt like I was always hungry and never felt full and the scale was reflecting this! Most definitely worth the read.