Fat Like Us
To many overweight people, Durham, NC, is a magical place; it is  home to Duke University's various weight-loss programs,  specifically the Rice Diet developed by Dr. Walter Kempner in  1939. Though he died in 1997, Kempner continues to exert an  almost messianic influence on "Ricers." His disciples eat all  their meals at first consisting only of rice and fruit and later  expanding to include limited amounts of chicken at Rice House  and must live in Durham, preferably until they meet their goal  weight. The extreme limitation on permitted foods sounds  unhealthy, yet Kempner's precepts have allegedly cured heart  conditions, kidney malfunctions, and diabetes. Still, Ricers  must eventually return to the real world, and most of them gain  back half to all of the weight they lost there. Here, folklorist  and dieter Anspaugh explores the culture of fat and the culture  of Durham through the Ricers' stories, told in their own words;  the text details their initiation, lapses, and ultimate success  or failure. Those who have maintained their ideal weight seem to  view the Rice regime as a religion, and they keep its  commandments faithfully. Others go back to the world but  continually return to get in touch with the plan's ethos. This  fascinating if slightly disturbing look at the diet culture in  general and a very stringent system in particular is recommended  for popular diet collections. Susan B. Hagloch, Tuscarawas Cty.  P.L., New Philadelphia, OHCopyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.