Weighed Down: Unlearning the list sold to us about our bodies

In ’Weighed Down, ’ Mary Pearson invites readers to explore the intricate relationship between self-perception, beauty standards, and the ever-evolving landscape of health consciousness.

The narrative unfolds with co-author Brigitte Botten dissecting the misleading dichotomy of ’good’ and ’bad’ foods. The authors debunk the myth that certain foods bear a moral weight, emphasizing the inherent purpose each one serves in our bodies. Nelly Rose, citing psychologist Glenn Mackintosh, further challenges the ingrained notions of morality attached to our dietary choices, asserting that food is not good and not bad, neither right nor wrong.

Pearson scrutinizes our language and its impact on self-perception, unravelling the intricate connection between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. Drawing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) principles, she exposes the profound consequences of our internal dialogues about food choices.

The book beckons readers to question the societal norms that dictate our relationship with food and our bodies, and urges a reconsideration of the language we use to describe our eating habits. ’Weighed Down’ is not just a book but a call to revolutionize our understanding of beauty, health and self-worth. Pearson’s eloquent prose and insightful observations compel readers to observe the ever-changing standards that divine to find beauty in our society and to challenge the status quo by encouraging a shift away from judgment of ourselves and those we love.