Precautions
Because of the high level of exercise involved in
this program, dieters should talk to their doctor about
whether their physical condition will allow them to
participate. This is probably not a good program for
people with heart or respiratory problems. Children
and teens who are still growing, and pregnant women
also are unlikely candidates for this program. People
with kidney disease should discuss the diet aspect of
the program with their doctor since their kidneys may
not be able to handle a high protein diet. Anecdotally,
the program appears to be most successful with out-
of-shape athletes who want to lose weight and get back
in shape.Risks
People who are not used to the level of exercise
required by Body for Life are at high risk for develop
injuries as a result of the exercise component of the
program. In addition, manyobesityexperts feel that
rapid weight loss, that is loss of more than 1–1.5 lb
(0.5–7 kg) per week, increases the chance ofweight
cyclingor putting the weight back on once the dieter
begins eating a regular diet. Weight cycling is thought
to have some harmful cardiovascular effects.Research and general acceptance
No scholarly research has been done on Body for
Life. However, bodybuilders have used the diet and
exercise principles behind the program for many years.
Nutritionists like the idea of eating many small meals
during the day and of using only unsaturated fats.
They tend to dislike the high protein content of thediet. The thing nutritionists tend to criticize most
strongly, however, is the need for dietary supplements
in this program. Body for Life unabashedly pushes
dieters to use EAS supplements. Many nutritionists
feel that a good, healthy diet should not require pro-
tein shakes and other supplements beyond perhaps a
multivitamin for certain dieters.Resources
BOOKS
Peeke, Pamela.Body-for-Life for Women: A Woman’s Plan
for Physical and Mental Transformation. Emmaus, PA:
Rodale, 2005.
Phillips, Bill.Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical
Strength. New York: HarperCollins, 1999.
Phillips, Bill.Eating for Life: Your Guide to Great Health,
Fat Loss and Increased Energy!.Golden, CO: High Point
Media, 2003.
Phillips, Bill.Transformation; How to Change Everything.
Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc., 2007.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Dietetic Association. 120 South Riverside Plaza,
Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995. Telephone:
(800) 877-1600. Website:<http://www.eatright.org>
Body-for-LIFE Official Web Page.<http://www.bodyforlife
.com>
Body for Lifers.com Community Support Forums.<http://
http://www.bodyforlifers.com>
OTHER
‘‘Body for Life Diet.’’ Dietsfaq.com, undated, accessed April
17, 2007. lt;http://www.dietsfaq.com/
bodyforlife.html>
‘‘Body for Life: What It Is.’’ WebMD, February 1, 2004.
<http://www.webmd.com/content/pages/15/
96036.htm>
Harvard School of Public Health. ‘‘Interpreting News on
Diet.’’ Harvard University, 2007.<http://
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/media.html>
Health Diet Guide ‘‘Body-for-Life.’’ Health.com. 2005.
<www.health.com/health/web/DietGuide/bodylife
_complete.html>Tish Davidson, A.M.Body image
Definition
Body image is a person’s mental opinion or
description of his or her own physical appearance. It
also involves the reactions of others toward that per-
son’s physical body based on what is perceived by that
person. The concept of body image slowly developsQUESTIONS TO ASK THE
DOCTOR Are there health risks to me caused by the level
of exercise Body for Life requires?
Is there another diet and exercise program that
would meet my needs better?
Will following this rigorous diet for 12 weeks
help me achieve long-term weight loss?
How much will I have to exercise to maintain
my muscle mass and strength after the diet ends?
Do I really need dietary supplements? Are EAS
supplements the best for my needs?
Would you recommend someone in your family
going on this diet?Body image