This is a book about plates. And the twisted conspiracy that is making our country fat.

FACT:: 95 percent of dieters regain the weight after five years.

FACT:: The average American dinner plate has grown from 9 inches in diameter to 12 inches since 1970.

FACT:: As a result, we're now consuming more than 300 excess calories per day.

FACT:: Our bodies have kept pace growing with our plates.

CURE:: A return to 9-inch dinner plates.

Behold The 9-Inch "Diet."