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The 4-Hour Body: Experts' Reviews

WebMD takes a closer look at Timothy Ferriss' Bestseller, The 4-Hour Body

By Denise Mann
WebMD Feature

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

Lose 20 pounds of fat in 30 days (without exercise)? Achieve a 15-minute orgasm?

All this and more is not just possible, it’s probable, says Tim Ferriss, author of the bestselling book, 4-Hour Body: An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat Loss, Incredible Sex and Becoming Superhuman.

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In his book, Ferriss covers diet, sleep (suggesting six 20-minute naps a day as opposed to 8 straight hours of sleep), exercise, sex, and the perks of medical tourism or undergoing tests or treatment outside the U.S.

Is there any scientific evidence to support some of the outlandish, outrageous claims in Ferriss’ 500-plus page book?

Tim Ferriss is not a doctor, nutritionist, or scientist. He is a 33-year-old author and blogger. He has served as his own guinea pig since high school to develop the program he details in his new book. He did run many of his ideas by a panel of experts, including athletes and scientists, and does urge all comers to see their doctor before following any of his advice.

The book's premise is simple: Less is more, and small, simple changes produce long-lasting effects. “There is zero room for misunderstanding and visible results compel you to continue,” Ferriss writes in his book. “If results are fast and measurable, self-discipline isn't needed.”

Ferriss' Slow-Carb Diet

How fast and measurable? How about 20 pounds in 30 days without exercise? Ferriss’ "slow-carb" diet promises just that.

The rules are simple (and likely familiar to anyone who has tried low-carb diets): Avoid white bread, white rice, potatoes, and other white carbs.

Ferriss also says no to whole grains and steel-cut oats -- which are often promoted as healthy carbs due to their high fiber content. His rapid weight loss plan outlaws all fruit and dairy (except cottage cheese) and involves one “all-you-can-eat day” each week. Cottage cheese speeds fat loss, unlike other dairy products, which slow it, Ferriss writes.

Ferriss is a creature of habit, and urges his readers to follow suit. He suggests eating the same small meals over and over and over again.

Ferriss cautions against drinking your calories (think caramel crème mocha chai latte), but he encourages two glasses of red wine each night (preferably a dry Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot). “Red wine is by no means required for this diet to work, but it’s 100% allowed (unlike white wines and beer, both which should be avoided,” he writes.

Pros and Cons of Ferriss' Slow-Carb Diet

Does this diet make sense?

“The whole notion of avoiding white carbs that turn quickly into sugar is a good thing to do,” says James P. Nicolai, MD, medical director of the Andrew Weil, M.D. Integrative Wellness Program at Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona.

And “it can be helpful to eat the same meals each day because you don’t think about food, as opposed to ‘I am really hungry and don’t have food to eat,” Nicolai says. The latter can set you up for making unhealthy food choices.

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