Informative book about how a 'normal' person with no training or medical knowledge can advocate for their own health and take matters into their own hands when others seem to have given up on them. In this light, too, this tale is one of self-empowerment, of coming into one's own, which then made for a very entertaining read as well. The book is very well-written and flows easily.
Really appreciated how the author went in stating, at multiple points, that this account is his own and no one should take it as gospel, that everyone should find what works for them. However, the methodology followed in his journey is one many can use as example to proceed to advocate for themselves

An interesting take on the diet book, from the former deputy leader of the Labour Party, Tom Watson. Watson was a self-confessed addict - to sugar, to food, to eating. It was a reward he sought throughout his days, his portion control was out of control, he was too big to exercise - even a short walk through Whitehall was beyond him - and he was approaching the age of 50 and tipping the scales at 22 stone.
After being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, Watson got the wake up call he needed and went all in on reversing the self-imposed situation that he'd dragged his health into - he revamped his diet, he started exercising, and he transformed himself physically, mentally and emotionally. "Downsizing" is a chronicle of of his life-changing epiphany and subsequent campaigning to reduce the millions of fellow Brits who end up on the same path he was on previously.
This is a very personal view of one man's health journey, and Watson's style is decidedly Marmite - he has a very "no-nonsense" style which I found a little too bombastic for my liking and ultimately exhausting. Most of the glowing reviews I've seen have been written by other men, who seem to respond more to his gruff / rough / tough approach.

Whether you love or hate Tom Watson's politics no one can say that his transformation is not an inspiring one.

Tom's story is inspiring and a reminder that anyone has the power to transform themselves if they put their mind to it.

This was fantastic. I had been looking forward to reading this for a long time as I was in awe of how he's turned his life and health around. Inspiring man!

I enjoyed this it was an interesting story and motivating. It was interesting to hear the political take on ‘big sugar’ that is maybe missing from other books of this type. I think that the keto diet is an interesting one, not sure I am quite converted as I think a calorie deficit is much more important. I would certainly recommend for people looking for diet and lifestyle inspiration.

As a person who needs to loose more weight and diabetic 2 mine could be controlled by eating, or rather, what I eat so I thought I’d take a look at this book.

Not much into Politics so didn’t know who this person was, so, not the reason I wanted to read it.

It’s informative as per most books like this.
As all diabetics are told......eat less carbs as carbs turn into sugar which causes us problems.
Less sugar in general.

Tom went on a low carb high fat sort of regime. I think he mentioned Keto as one one of the successful.

I’m in no doubt and awe that he’s lost so much weight which is astounding and I praise him for that. It’s the most difficult things to do, loose weight, then.......keep it off!
There’s no easy way, there’s no magic wand.

Being in his position I’d love for him to rally for manufacturers to less the sugar content in food.
To lobby for better healthier foods. We are getting bigger as a nation, I’m one of them. We sit more too as we e “machines” that do housework, chores, work and let’s not not forget, online shopping!
We don’t need to move much!

He gave an honest and open account of his life which I can relate to in part.

Would I recommend this book?
Yes, I think I would as it’s got some really good advice and let’s face it.....
He’s lost a half of his body weight. He’s reversed diabetes in his life so far.
It’s no easy fete that! I admire him.

Am a massive fan of Tom Watson as a politician and had seen his transformation so was keen to read his book! This is a proper page turner and is a mixture of political memoir and weight loss journey. This book is for anyone who wants to be inspired by Tom's weight loss journey and how you can change too!

A comprehensive and inspiring guide to improving your health for the better by eating healthily, exercising more and eventually shedding the pounds. Highly recommended.