"You Just Need to Lose Weight"

October 3, 2022
Podcaster Gordon (What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat) interrogates misperceptions about fatness in this helpful handbook for those “struggling to interrupt moments of anti-fatness in their daily lives.” Among other myths, Gordon debunks the notions that fatness is a choice, that obesity is the leading cause of death in the U.S., that fat acceptance “glorifies obesity,” that weight loss “is the result of healthy choices and should be celebrated,” and that “fat bodies are not to be seen, discussed, observed, or embraced.” Many sections conclude with a short list of questions for reflection, designed to help people of diverse body types recognize and combat anti-fat bias—for example, by not offering unsolicited weight-loss compliments. Gordon also highlights the links between anti-Blackness and anti-fatness and exposes the biases implicit in “body positivity” advertising campaigns by Dove and other corporations. Throughout, Gordon interweaves personal reflections on her own experiences as a self-described “fat lady” with sharp cultural and scientific analysis to make a persuasive case that “our bodies are neither reflections of our character nor comeuppance for bad actions.” The result is a lucid and impassioned guide to combatting negative stereotypes about body size.

December 1, 2022
Gordon's latest (after What We Don't Talk about When We Talk about Fat, 2020) debunks common myths about fat people--losing weight is easy, skinny means healthy, fat people should pay for a second airplane seat--and in doing so, she leads readers on a deep exploration of the many facets of anti-fatness. A fat woman herself, Gordon uses personal experience to frame the book, but this is no memoir. Instead, as she does on her podcast, Maintenance Phase, she grounds her arguments in good data, using scientifically sound studies to make her points. She also reveals the bad science that has led to some of society's most insidious notions about fatness, like the idea that short-term weight loss ""works"" (studies show it leads to long-term weight gain) or that BMI objectively measures size and health (it is based on pseudoscience and rooted in racism). Throughout, she acknowledges the intersection of anti-Blackness and anti-fatness. Most chapters end with questions for further thought or opportunities for action. Densely written, this thought-provoking treatise on fatness will give readers of all sizes plenty to think about.

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Starred review from January 27, 2023

As the cohost of the Maintenance Phase podcast and a columnist for Self magazine, Gordon (What We Don't Talk About When We Talk About Fat) has established herself as one of the loudest and most influential voices working to dismantle anti-fatness structures. Her second book will appeal to anyone interested in discrimination based on body size and other similar forms of systemic oppression. It's a valuable tool to navigate the space one's body occupies and to understand what that means for oneself and for others. The book is structured around prevalent myths, all debunked by the author, about people with obesity. This is not a series of rants. Instead, chapters are infused with calls for social justice and personal anecdotes, all of which achieve Gordon's goal for the book, which is to inspire readers to dig and think more deeply about this topic. The book includes a clear overview of terminology (e.g., anti-fatness, diet culture, and straight-sized clothing), documentation from sources ranging from popular magazines to scientific journals, and Gordon's signature voice, which moves seamlessly from caustic wit and sarcasm to erudition and emotion. VERDICT This book may not always be easy to digest, but it is powerful, necessary reading.--Emily Bowles

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