IT MUST BE MY METABOLISM! begins with an examination of the latest medical science regarding the links between fat, metabolism, hormones, and health -- and makes clear why so many people can't lose weight, despite all their hard work.

    For example, Dr. Yavari explains the biology of abdominal fat cells (which are different from other fat cells), and how they play a role in metabolism through hormonal activity as well as by influencing the body's stress response.

   He also outlines the links between fat and insulin resistance -- explaining precisely why diabetes is so often a consequence of being overweight -- and discusses how metabolic syndrome is to blame for many of the negative side effects of menopause as well as being a contributing factor to cardiovascular disease.

   Following this grounding in the science of metabolism, Dr. Yavari shares his program for weight-loss and health, which he calls Therapeutic Lifestyle Change (TLC). Therapeutic Lifestyle Change empowers individuals by teaching them skills they need to change their lives, their minds, and their bodies forever.

   IT MUST BE MY METABOLISM! offers a step-by-step course in TLC, including setting goals -- both short term targets and long-term aims; getting and staying motivated; overcoming obstacles; creating a structured schedule; and implementing a rewards system -- all customized to the individual's own lifestyle and preferences.

  Dr. Yavari devotes a chapter to each of the three elements of the program:

o Stress reduction -- We all know the pitfall of stress eating. Dr. Yavari explains that there's more to this than collapsing in front of the TV and scarfing down a gallon of ice cream to make oneself feel better after a tough day at work. People actually get caught in a vicious cycle as chronic stress causes excess fat deposits in the abdomen, while this excess fat in turn affects stress hormones -- resulting in unhealthy behavioral patterns including stress eating. Dr. Yavari explains how to end this cycle by recognizing the stresses in one's life, and offers a variety of mechanisms for stress relief.

o Exercise -- It is obvious that physical activity is essential for boosting one's metabolic rate, but many people find it difficult to start -- and stick with -- an exercise regimen. Dr. Yavari's approach takes this into account and starts gradually, with slow routines along with a lot of breathing and stretching. He also emphasizes the importance of developing a personalized reward system, with daily, weekly, and monthly payoffs. In addition, Dr. Yavari offers guidelines for building an individualized exercise regime, for changing it to better fit one's goals as one's body changes, and for avoiding common mistakes people make when they begin exercising.

o Healthy eating -- From nutrition basics to what people need to know about popular diets, this chapter shows how to develop a healthy eating plan that is appropriate for each individual. Dr. Yavari also includes guidelines on choosing food wisely, a sample weekly meal plan, and a variety of low-calorie and delicious recipes created by celebrated chef Jacques Pepin -- from Roast Turkey with Mushroom and Raisin Stuffing to Seviche of Scallops.

    IT MUST BE MY METABOLISM! also includes a six-month, day-by-day guide for undoing metabolic syndrome. Like the guide used by Dr. Yavari's patients, it offers daily recommendations and motivational advice that will keep people on target. "Everyone knows that obesity causes health problems, but it is easy to push that awareness aside as we go about our lives -- too busy to plan and prepare healthy meals, too tired to exercise, too stressed not to soothe ourselves with chips, cookies, ice cream, or a few cold beers," Dr. Yavari writes. "But the truth is that it's not difficult to change your life and become healthy. It's simple, straightforward, and utterly predictable.