FAT!SO? : Because You Don't Have to Apologize for Your Size

From the moment I started reading her book, I loved FAT!SO? Marilyn Wann both educates the readers on fat prejudice and fat myths, and gives them a good laugh at the same time. Whenever I feel the need for an esteem boost, I read portions of Wann's book.Some people have felt that her humor somehow trivializes people's experience with fat prejudice. That was not her intention. Her intention was to give the readers a reason to feel good about themselves and to give them an uplift. I've read interviews with Marily Wann, and believe me, she has felt the sting (more like the stab) of fat prejudice as much as other fat people.Wann also cites studies that show how other natural differences in humans, such as men's height and left-handed people, have demonstrated higher percentages of health problems--and the same health problems--attributed to fat. But did the researchers of these studies say that being a short man or being left-handed was the cause of their health problems? No, they attributed it to cultural prejudice (Western societies have traditionally looked down on short men, as men are expected to be tall, or at least taller than women, and left-handers receive prejudice due to old superstitious beliefs that being left-handed somehow makes the person evil or unlucky).If you can read this book and still feel that fat people "choose" to be fat, and/or deserve to receive prejudice because of being fat, I suggest reading Dr. Edell's book, EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY, Laura Fraser's book, LOSING IT: AMERICA'S OBSESSION WITH WEIGHT AND THE INDUSTRY THAT FEEDS ON IT, and W. Charisse Goodman's book, THE INVISIBLE WOMAN: CONFRONTING WEIGHT PREJUDICE IN AMERICA. Dr. Edell and his staff have for years searched for and continues to sift through current research and recommend the best, most valid amongst it (no, I'm, afraid not all medical research is high-quality). Fraser, a journalist, conducted an in-depth study on the origins of America's desire for thinness, the diet industry, and obesity research and how the researchers are connected to the diet industry, thereby having their research affected by the industry. Goodman (I wrote a review on her book as well) details the discourse of weight prejudice in America and successfully illustrates the similarities between Anti-Semitism and weight prejudice (Goodman is Jewish).However, after reading these books as well, you STILL insist that fat people deserve prejudice, "choose" to be fat and should lose weight at all costs, then you're just a plain bigot who needs a scapegoat.Back to Marilyn's book, EVERYONE, fat or thin, who has esteem issues with their body should read it. It's a definite uplifter, with a complete bibliography, and personal accounts from contributors to the book. It also has a piece written by Wann's personal trainer.

Thanks to Fat?So!, the next time someone asks me "Should you be eating that?" I'm going to pause, look at them knowingly, and with a wink and a nod, say "I was, but I think you need it more than me."Read about the mysterious disease that has started attacking fat people who become famous, get tips on personal trainers, find out why flirting is like any other martial art. And not only can you learn snappy comebacks for rude people, you also get handy pre-written blurbs for you to use on a date, when someone is rude, on a job interview, and in the doctor's office. Discover what Marilyn Wann did that the people at Weight Watchers found offensive, why she dies her hair hot pink (and why you should too!), and why people call her "Hank." See what practical advice Aunt Agony has for the woman whose jeans keep wearing out between the thighs. Learn the principle of "wash and chop," see pictures of naked fat bellies, arms, chins, butts; get bowling advice, medical references (it is more health threatening to be short than fat), and cool facts (fat women are twice as likely to enjoy sex and to reach orgasm). There's a recipe for Cottage Cheese Surprise, instructions for dealing with those annoying bright yellow "lose 30 pounds in 30 days" signs on the side of the road, a flabulous paper doll, trading cards and a list of 17 fun things to do with your bathroom scale that don't involve weighing yourself.Fat!So? is powerfully enlightening. Thank you, Marilyn Wann, for your bold statement that fat people are cool. I propose that Crayola add a new color in honor of Wann--Fat!So? Pink!

...which is something i CANNOT say about any diet book i've read, or any self-help book, fitness book, workout plan, doctor's plan, or weightloss clinic!!!I was already starting on my way to loving my body and accepting myself, but this book totally changed me by enforcing my belief system - and making me SURE i was doing the right thing. And I have already lost some weight (amazingly enough this happens when no food is forbidden!). What most slim people just dont understand IS - some people cannot eat normally and be SLIM. We would have to practically starve ourselves, or push ourselves to unbearable workouts EVERY day to be what society considers thin.I have been fighting a losing battle with my weight since about age 18. After i turned 40, i started living again - which means for one - i actually started going to the beach again, like i did every summer as a kid! Not caring what anyone else thought. I started enjoying my life again. When you hit middle age, you realize it's now or never. If you dont enjoy what God gave you, it's gonna be gone soon. I've been on just about every diet there is, weight loss clinics, doctor's liquid fasts - you name it. To ME personally - this book is the answer.The author NEVER encourages people to be unhealthy. She says to eat fruits and veggies. She says to MOVE your body each day, to see a doctor, to take care of yourself. But if you live your life obsessed with EVERY bite you eat - THAT IS NOT HEALTHY. Be for real. Mental health is important too!!You better love your body now and enjoy it, if you wait til the pounds are gone - you will wait forever. Read this book!

I am still working to get through the book, not because it is not amazing and liberating, but because I have to re-condition myself and heal from the years of abuse and prejudice that I have suffered as a fat woman. I am finding it hard to truly commit to my memory and every day life that it is okay to be fat. I believe that it is, but it is hard to break the habit of thinking there is something wrong with me after being told so for 28 years. I love this book, I cry every time I pick it up...tears of joy of course. My journey continues to accepting my fat and with each paragraph and day I get closer and closer to freedom. Its a must read for EVERYONE no matter what size you are...dare I say it needs to be assigned reading in schools.

I love this book. I love the humour and the way they Marilyn guides you through all the ways you've thought about your self, proving you wrong! I would encourage women of all sizes to read this book, to learn what fat phobia is and how much damage we do by perpetuating it. I honestly can't recomend this book enough!

a different and eye-opening view on things...