The author of the highly successful Maigrir sans régime (2002), Jean-Philippe Zermati is a nutritionist, a behavioural psychotherapist and the vice president of GROS, an association that develops alternatives to slimming diets. He is the co-author of Dictature des régimes. Attemtion! (with G. Apfeldorfer, 2006).

To lose weight we no longer have to be told what to eat (or not to eat). We now know that our weight and eating habits are not entirely up to us. Many factors that are beyond our control, and that we are not always aware of, also come into play. This does not mean that we are powerless, but it does mean that to lose weight we must learn to respect our needs and accept our physical limitations — which can only be done by acquiring wisdom and self-knowledge.
The goal of this book is to show us the path to this form of wisdom and to teach us new eating habits in tune with our feelings and sensations. Especially targeted here are chronic weight problems. Why do some people struggle for years and fail to lose weight and others succeed in losing it only to put it back on? Why can’t they stop themselves from eating foods they wish to cut down on or eliminate from their diet? Why do they eat when they are not hungry? Why don’t they feel satiated, even after a large meal? And finally why are they incapable of losing weight when others manage to shed kilos successfully?
Dietetics alone cannot answer all these questions. What is needed is a broader approach that considers every facet of eating habits. Going on a diet is not the answer — simply because most people who have weight problems have already tried dozens of diets. And very often the diets have made them put on even more weight. This book shows how to break free of this vicious circle — or how not to be entrapped in it, in the first place.


Is weight loss necessary? Is it possible? This is the book that will allow you to answer these questions, in your own case.
The author reveals the mechanisms and habits behind weight gain, and describes his method for achieving dietary wisdom.
At a time of rampant over-consumption and contradictory recommendations, eating has become a complex issue. We must learn to listen to our needs and manage our desires. This book shows how.
The author argues that the human body is capable of self-regulation — but only if we respect it.