Aubrey Gordon (What We Don't Talk About When We Talk About Fat), co-host of the podcast Maintenance Phase, writes of herself: "Since grade school, I have been taught that some bodies are meant to be seen, and that mine isn't one of them." In "You Just Need to Lose Weight": And 19 Other Myths About Fat People,Gordon methodically debunks anti-fat bias and 20 commonly expressed myths about fat people. "The BMI is an objective measure"; "accepting fat people 'glorifies obesity' "; and "fat people should pay for a second airplane seat": all possess flaws exposed by Gordon's research.
As Gordon explains, so much of how people think about obesity is influenced by anti-fat bias, whether consciously or not. Most fat people would be able to produce countless examples of body shaming, "helpful" food advice from strangers and interference into their lives and bodies, all of which would feel invasive and shocking to thin people. All too often, fat people are treated with disgust for "daring to show our faces and bodies in public." There's also a great deal of anti-queer and racial bias in the way that fat people have historically been treated, which further complicates issues.
Each chapter includes a myth that is carefully debunked and ends with reflection questions and/or action steps, making Gordon's book an excellent tool for those working to end anti-fat bias. Perfect for fat and thin readers alike, "You Just Need to Lose Weight" is smart and informative--and will spur many important conversations. --Jessica Howard, freelance book reviewer