The following was issued by HarperCollins, September 15...

NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ -- Almost 30 million Americans have thyroid conditions -- half of them undiagnosed. Most thyroid problems eventually slow the metabolism to levels that make weight loss seemingly impossible. Patient advocate Mary Shomon's best-selling book "The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss," published August 17th by HarperCollins, is the first book to help many previously unsuccessful dieters finally overcome this major -- but frequently overlooked -- impediment to weight loss. Detailed information on "The Thyroid Diet," including a sample chapter from the book, is available at the book's website www.goodmetabolism.com.

For the millions of undiagnosed thyroid patients, diagnosis and proper treatment may be all that's needed to successfully restore the metabolism to normal and begin to lose weight. "The Thyroid Diet" features a "Symptoms Checklist," along with detailed guidelines on how to get diagnosed and treated. Diagnosis can be a challenge during the typical five-minute managed care visit with most doctors.

Says author Shomon, a thyroid sufferer herself: "Unfortunately, even after the best possible thyroid treatment, millions of patients still can't lose weight. In The Thyroid Diet, I share the results of my own battle, and give my fellow patients information on the treatments, foods, approaches, supplements, herbs, nutrients and exercise that will fast-forward them to the point where they can lose weight -- now!"

"The Thyroid Diet" has had four printings in than two weeks, and is in its third week on the New York Times Best Seller List. The book is in the top 10 on Amazon.com's "Diet and Weight Loss" Bestsellers List and has been on Amazon's Top 100 Bestsellers list for more than a month, reaching #5.

In "The Thyroid Diet" readers discover...

• Why more than half of the almost 30 million Americans with thyroid problems haven't been diagnosed
• The 3 physical signs that almost GUARANTEE you have an undiagnosed thyroid problem
• Why your doctor isn't likely to test you for this common diet saboteur, and what you can do
• Why frequent "mini-meals" may be the WORST thing for your weight loss effort
• The new herbal remedy from Africa that can dramatically cut appetite, without dangerous side effects

"The Thyroid Diet" discusses optimal dietary changes, focusing on the "low-glycemic" diet -- the newest thinking, and a healthier evolution of the low-carb craze. Readers also learn about optimal timing of meals for maximum hormonal impact, thyroid-damaging foods to avoid, helpful herbs and supplements, and more.

The book contains several different eating plans, food lists, and a set of delicious and healthy gourmet recipes from food editor and chef Jim McCauley. Handy worksheets aid in weight loss tracking, and a special resource section features websites, books, and support groups.

Mary Shomon has transformed her own health challenges into a role as a nationally-known patient advocate, founder/editor of a series of health newsletters, and as founder/editor editor of the internet's most popular thyroid websites, thyroid.about.com, and www.thyroid-info.com. She is author of "Living Well With Hypothyroidism," "Living Well With Autoimmune Disease," "Living Well With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia," and the forthcoming "Living Well With Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism." A member of the Endocrine Society, she is also one of the first patient members of the American Academy on Physician and Patient.

SOURCE HarperCollins