FAQ about Publications for Big Folks
This document contains information about publications (magazines and books) that promote size-acceptance or exist specifically for fat people. If you don't find what you're looking for here, try one of the related FAQs (see question B1 for a complete list).
Updated October 00
Contents
SECTION A: FAQ about publications that promote size-acceptance or exist specifically for fat people
- A1) What publications are there in Australia?
- A2) What publications are there in Canada?
- A3) What publications are there in Europe?
- A4) What publications are there in New Zealand?
- A5) What publications are there in the U.K.?
- A6) What publications are there in the U.S.?
- A7) What books are there?
SECTION B: Information about this FAQ
SECTION A: FAQ about publications that promote size-acceptance or exist specifically for fat people
A1) What publications are there in Australia?
Life Size c/o Women At Large 12 Chancery Ln Hawthorndene, SA 5051 Phone: 278-6499 (Ask an operator for the area code.)
A2) What publications are there in Canada?
Canada Wyde PO Box 511 99 Dalhousie St. Toronto, Ontario M5B 2N2 Phone: (416) 861-0217 Web site: http://www.interlog.com/~cdawyde/ Rates: Canada $21.40 (incl. GST. US $25 US. International $30 US. Glossy quarterly magazine for large Canadians and their admirers. Includes clothing resources and personal ads. Available on some newsstands. Hugs International Newsletter Linda Omichinsky, RD Box 102 A, RR #3 Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada R1N 3A3 Work Phone: 204-428-3432 Home Phone: 204-428-3432 On The Plus Side Paige Garnett 9292 134th Street Surrey, British Columbia, V3V 5S2 Email: ustwo@bc.sympatico.ca $10.00 for four issues (includes free personal ad) Quarterly newsletter dedicated to self acceptance for the large woman. Successes, challenges and personal triumphs. Recipes, horoscopes, fashion listings, and personal ads for large women and the men who love them. (New Jan 97)
A3) What publications are there in Europe?
An interesting book in Dutch: Dik voor Mekaar, handreiking voor een breed draagvlak. by Marja Visser, published by De Toorts, Haarlem in 1995.
A4) What publications are there in New Zealand?
NZ Bella Kennedy Mayne Communications Ltd. 1st Floor, 177 Parnell Rd or P O Box 37-421 Parnell, Auckland, NZ Phone: (09)309-8416 Fax: (09) 308-9134 Email: Kennedy-Mayne@clear.net.nz Quarterly magazine. Subscriptions $25 US dollar a year, includes postage from NZ. Payable by credit card. Women Unlimited Newsletter PO Box 16143 Wellington South New Zealand Celia James Email: celia.james@vuw.ac.nz Shel Hancox Email: peterm@central.co.nz
A5) What publications are there in the U.K.?
Db Magazine c/o Diet Breakers Mary Evans Young, Editor Church Cottage Barford St. Michael Banbury Oxon England OX15 OUA Fax: 0181 693 7177 10 pounds for five issues within the UK, 15 pounds outside. UK currency (money order) only. News, fashions, opinion, personal stories, research reviews, politics. Fat News Fat Women's Group London Women's Centre 4 Wild Court London WC2B SAU England In U.K. 1.50 - 2.30 pounds / year (sliding scale) In Europe 2.50 pounds / year Elsewhere 3.00 pounds / year Quarterly newsletter. Freesize magazine Published by the SIZE size-acceptance organization Suite 147 58 Gloucester Road London SW7 4UB Fax (US): 1-011-44-171-581-9213
A6) What publications are there in the U.S.?
Ample Shopper PO Box 116 Bearsville, NY 12409 Phone: (914) 679-3316 Fax: (914) 679-1206 1 year $12 in U.S., $15 elsewhere Quarterly consumer newsletter. They run articles on things such as fat-friendly cars, fat-friendly airlines, and so forth. Back issues are available. BBW -- "The New" BBW Magazine Web: http://www.bbwmagazine.com BBW Magazine, exclusively for the size 16+ woman, has been acquired by Aeon Publishing, and will resume publication in May 1999. Sally Smith is the new editor. Bear 2215-R Market St. #148 San Francisco, CA 94114 A zine for bears and their admirers. Belle: the Premier Magazine for Confident Full-figured Women Starlog Entertainment, Inc. 475 Park Avenue South New York, NY 10016 Phone: (800) 877-5549 1 year sub is $12.97 in the US One woman writes: "it's much more of what we'd all want a plus-sized fashion/woman's mag to be than BBW has been for years. Another writes: "The earlier issues, esp, feature models who are larger than most from the old BBW, and certainly much bigger than anyone in MODE. Recently they also publish: Belle Presents Love and Lingerie. It's very size-positive." Big Options Lora White Birmingham, AL Phone: 205-520-9468 Newsletter with lots of information about organizations, reading materials, tapes, clothing stores. Body Image Task Force Newsletter Mary Atkins, Director PO Box 934 Santa Cruz, CA 95061-0934 Home Phone: 408-426-1821 Quarterly newsletter. See also the entry for the video *Killing Us for Our Own Good: Dieting and Medical Misinformation*. Purchase of the video includes the right to show it publicly for educational purposes. 105 minutes. $19.95 plus $5 shipping and handling. All proceeds go to BITF for further distribution of the film. Chic Full Figure Fashion Phone: (800) 34-STILE Email: chicexpo@suba.com Dimensions (Where Big is Beautiful) PO Box 640 Folsom, CA 95763-0640 Single issue $6.50 1 year sub (6 issues) $24 in U.S., $30 in Canada, $36 elsewhere Web sites: http://www.dimensionsmagazine.com/ Bimonthly men's magazine for men who prefer their women very large. Women also read it. Big section of personal ads from men and women, and the ads provide good leads to sexy large-sized clothing (among other things). ... [blb] Columns on fashion, health, relationships, activism, and size-acceptance issues. FA oriented fiction. Large-size products/services marketplace. Their fashion column on the web is a good source of leads for supersize clothing (which many other periodicals gloss over). Fat Admirers News (FAN) I.Y.Murphy Box 148222 Chicago, IL 60614-8222 $10 for 1 year subscription Bi-monthly newsletter for large-size women and their admirers. Fat!So? A zine for people who do not apologize for their size. Marilyn Henrietta "Hank" Wann, Editor. PO Box 423464 San Francisco, CA 94142 $3.50 for 1 issue. 1 year sub is $12. Email: marilyn@fatso.com Web Site: http://www.fatso.com/ Filled with great writing, poetry, photos, and commentary on being fat. "Anatomy lessons" focus on a different part of the body each issue, photos of 20 very different sizes and shapes. Issue 1 was butts. Issue 2 was bellies. Fat!So? has gained the attention of the mainstream media with articles in USA Today and the San Francisco Chronicle. The web site was chosen as Cool Site of the Day. Girl Published by same folks who put out Mode magazine. However, they don't seem to show many images of plus-size kids. The Goddesses Newsletter Nancy Esposito PO Box 1008 J A F Station New York NY 10116 Work Phone: 718-456-9119 Home Phone: 718-789-3894 Newsletter with size-activism articles and personal ads. Grand Touch NAAFA PO Box 188620 Sacramento, CA 95818 Massage video for large and supersize women. $30. Healthy Weight Journal (formerly Obesity and Health) Frances M. Berg, editor and publisher 402 S. 14th St. Hettinger, ND 58639 Phone/Fax: (701) 567-2646, (800) 663-0023 (US and Canada) Journal reports latest obesity research, news, size-related issues. Also see *Afraid to Eat* in the Books section. ISFB (I'm So Fucking Beautiful) Nomy Lamm 1505 NW Groves Ave. Olympia, WA 98502 Issues #1 and #2, send $1 each plus stamps. Written by Nomy Lamm - who hopes she is fermenting the "fat grrrl" revolution. Killing Us for Our Own Good: Dieting and Medical Misinformation. A video presentation by Dawn Atkins, Sponsored by the Body Image Task Force. Includes a lecture by Dawn Atkins and music, "The Losing Game" by Cosy Sheridan. Covers success/failure rates of dieting, possible side effects of weight loss, theories of weight and metabolism, manipulation of medical research, effects of discrimination, and ways to effect change. Purchase of the video includes the right to show it publicly for educational purposes. 105 minutes. $19.95 plus $5 shipping and handling to Body Image Task Force, PO Box 934, Santa Cruz, CA 95061-0934. All proceeds go to BITF for further distribution of the film. LFAN Newsletter Laura Tisoncik PO Box 635 Woodstock, NY 12498 Phone: (914) 679-9019 Email: 76473.2141@compuserve.com $20 ($5-$10 low income) Monthly newsletter of the Lesbian Fat Activist Network, a NAAFA special interest group. Includes column for fat bisexual women called "Bi and Large." Largesse, The Network For Size Esteem Karen Stimson, Editor PO Box 9404 New Haven CT 06534-0404 Phone/Fax: 203-787-1624 Email: largesse@eskimo.com Web site: http://www.eskimo.com/~largesse "Food for Thought" quarterly newsletter. Bimonthly "Size Esteem" bulletins. Periodic action alerts. "Affirmations For Size Esteem" guide to empowerment for people of size, "Don't Be A Yo Yo" anti-diet brochure, sourcebook on the fat underground, and The Size Diversity Empowerment Kit. Sponsors of International No-Diet Day. Living Large Kathleen Madigan PO Box 1006 Elgin, IL 60121 For a sample issue send $3. APA by and for fat people and their supporters, for discussion of all matters related to weight -- and everything else, as is usually the case with APAs. Loving You Large Phone: (800) 200-1099 Free newsletter for large women and men who admire them. Lovin' Plenty Publication for large singles and their admirers. This publication seems to have folded. Mode Magazine Email: Modemag@aol.com Web site: http://www.modemag.com Glossy fashion magazine featuring models on the very smallest end of plus-size (size 12-16), although some of their feature articles are about larger (celebrity) women. Many plus-size boutiques advertise there. One reader was disappointed because the models were so much smaller than her that it was difficult to tell what the clothes would look like on her. She was also disappointed that many cosmetics ads featured skinny models. NAAFA Fat Feminist Caucus Judy Freespirit (Judith L. Ackerman) -- new coordinator 407 Orange St. #101 Oakland, CA 94610 Email: 0005348398@mcimail.com To receive a newsletter and information on the Caucus, email your postal address. Nothing To Lose Shira Stone And Gail Horowitz Fat Is A Lesbian Issue 225 C King St Princeton NJ 08540 Work Phone: 609-924-9321 Email: sestone@princeton.edu Susan 718-892-7375 Newsletter. On a Positive Note Carol A. Johnson, M. A., Pres. Largely Positive, Inc. PO Box 17223 Glendale WI 53217 Quarterly newsletter associated with the Largely Positive support group. oooO Baby BABY Magazine Maureen Parke, Editor 1448 Fullerton Drive Fairfield, CA 94533 Web site: http://www.oooobabybaby.com Email: LDYSRCHES@aol.com $24 for 12 issues Quarterly. Sample on website. Promotes fashion, activities, dancing and events, and operates a plus size modeling agency. Welcomes article, submissions and inquiries. Offers classified ads. The Overcoming Overeating Newsletter Jane Hirschmann, MSW Director, The National Center For Overcoming Overeating 315 West 86th. Street, Suite 17B New York NY 10024-3180 Work Phone: 212-875-0442 Fax: 212-874-6596/5820076 Email: oonewsjade@aol.com UPDATE Jan 97: The newsletter is no longer being published. Jane Hirschmann is seeking someone willing to take the newsletter over. Pasty Sarah-Katherine 734 20th Ave. E. Seattle, WA 98112 $1 an issue Zine by a fat bi-dyke from Seattle Radiance: The Magazine for Large Women PO Box 30246 Oakland, CA 94604-9937 Phone: (510) 482-0680 Fax: (510) 482-1576 Email: info@radiancemagazine.com Web page: http://www.radiancemagazine.com/ $5 for 1 issue (4 issues/year) 1 year sub is $20 in U.S., $26 in Canada, $34 elsewhere 2 year sub is $35 in U.s., $47 in Canada, $63 elsewhere Overseas subs are airmailed. Send U.S. funds or international money order. Quarterly magazine. Excellent source for fashion information and catalogs, this magazine also contains photos, poetry, and articles on topics from exercise to motherhood, all for large women. Has an appealing air of energy, acceptance, self-love, and optimism. Highly recommended. [blb] Rump Parliament Lee Martindale: Editor PO Box 865137 Plano, TX 75086-5137 Email: lmartin@airmail.net Web site: http://web2.airmail.net/lmartin/ Single issue $6. 1 year sub is $24 in U.S., $28 in Canada and Mexico, $35 elsewhere Bi-monthly. Rump Parliament is dedicated to size-acceptance activism. Articles, discussion columns, activist-oriented fiction, and news of interest to people who believe that "fat" is not a four-letter word. Size-, gender-, color-, sexual preference-, and politically inclusive. Bestows annual "Rumpies" awards, both positive and negative. Offers buttons, mugs, and notecards with activist slogans. Saffir Newsletter Diana Mackin 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Rm #222 Seattle, WA 98103 Work Phone: 206-784-1004 Home Phone: 206-632-8547 Seeds of Change Newsletter Jennifer Carney, RN 2865 So. Colorado Blvd, Suite 200 Denver, CO 80222 Work Phone: 303-691-8919 Say No To Diets -- Say Yes To Life Sisters of Size Robin 710 28th Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98114 $5 - $10 for a subscription. Lesbian fat activist newsletter from Seattle. Superwoman Sherry Collins-Eckert NAAFA Super Sig PO 25083 St. Louis, MO 63125-0083 Email: NSuperSIG@aol.com Web site: http://www.pencomputing.com/dim/dimtext/SuperSIG/info.html Dues are $17.50 ($22.50 Canada, $25 other foreign). You must be a member of NAAFA. Quarterly publication of Super Sig, NAAFA special interest group for women size 48 or larger. Compiles information on yearly confidential surveys of members. Weight-Loss Survivors' Sig Karen Smith P.O. BOX 7441 Albuquerque, NM 87194-7441 Phone: (505) 247-4359 Email: ksmith@swcp.com Quarterly newsletter. Zaftig: sex for the well rounded Zaftig! is explicit, pan-sexual and woman-friendly.
A7) What books are there?
This is a list of books dealing with body-image, clothing, eating disorders, fitness, size-acceptance and more. Much material contributed by Bernadette Bosky (blb@panix.com).- Acolyte, J. *The Big Bang: The Birth of a New Plus-sized Universe*. Honor the Circle Astrology Expressions, 1999. $19.95 at http://members.aol.com/Bestastro.
- Spiral bound book examines the politics of body size and oppression
of fat women in our culture. Factual manifesto that challenges the
current medical view of "fat".
- Ample Opportunities
- PO Box 8095, Victoria, BC, V8W 3R8. Disseminates information and
resources to and about women of size in Canada. Paper based directory
of stores, mail order sources, products, publications and events for
large women in Canada is available for $2
- Atrens, Dr. Dale M. *Don't Diet*. New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1988.
- A very clear, detailed (but, oddly, un-footnoted) scientific study
of post-dieting findings about why people are obese, what obesity
does (and doesn't) mean to our health, and what can and can't be done
about it all. Also some sound comments about societal aesthetics and
attitudes about fat, including an interesting critique of Susie Orbach's
*Fat is a Feminist Issue*. Recommended. [blb]
- Beller, Anne Scott. *Fat & Thin: A Natural History of Obesity*. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1977.
- The best summary of older studies that pointed all along to causes
of obesity other than simple overeating. Some of the studies have
since been refuted, others may not seem totally relevant--but all
of it is worth knowing about, and the cumulative effect is strong.
Sensible arguments and detailed reference to specific medical studies.
Excellent bibliography. [blb]
- Bennett, William and Joel Gurin. *The Dieter's Dilemma: Eating Less and Weighing More*. New York: Basic Books, 1982.
- The first book about anti-dieting findings concerning set-point
and other metabolic considerations. A source of accurate scientific
information about what does and does not define one's appropriate
weight, it is clearly written and fully explanatory. Highly recommended.
Part of this book was reprinted as "Do Diets Really Work?" by Bennett
and Gurin, *Science 82*, March 1982, 42-50. [BLB]
- Berg, Frances M. Health Risks of Weight Loss.
- Berg, Frances M. *Afraid to Eat: Children and Teens in Weight Crisis*. Healthy Weight Journal, 1997. ISBN 0-918532-55-5. $24.95 (includes postage and handling) to Healthy Weight Journal, 402 South 14th Street, Hettinger, ND 58639. Fax: (701) 567-2602. E-mail: FMBerg@aol.com.
- "Berg summarizes the current weight and eating crisis in a model
that demonstrates how parents and others work at cross-purposes, giving
out conflicting messages and allowing the negative aspects of culture
to exert a more powerful influence on our children....The second half
of her book is devoted to how we can rectify this situation." -- Joanne
P. Ikeda. Recommended.
- Bernell, Bonnie. *Bountiful Women: Large Women's Secrets for Living the Life They Desire*
- Wildcat Canyon Press, Circulus Publishing Group, Berkeley, 2000.
http://www.bountifulwomen.com.
"Celebratory book of the psychological and practical strategies large
women have found to deal with challenging situations such as securing
good medical care, handling self-deprecatory feelings, and inviting
romance into their lives. As a psychologist of many years, I offer
the perspective that living now rather than "weighting" until one
is thin enough, rich enough, loved enough, spiritual enough, is a
bountiful life."
- Blank, Hanne. *Big Big Love: A Sourcebook on Sex for People of Size and Those Who Love Them*
- Greenery Press, 2000. http://www.bigbiglove.com
- Bordo, Susan. *Unbearable Weight: Feminism, Western Culture & the Body*. University of California Press, 1993.
- Heavily theory-oriented feminist analysis.
- Bovey, Shelly. *The Forbidden Body: Why Being Fat is not a Sin*. Pandora Press, 0-04-440871-4, $12.00.
-
- Brown, Laura S. and Esther D. Rothblum, Ed. *Overcoming Fear of Fat: Fat Oppression in Psychotherapy*. Harrington Park Press, 0-918-393-71-X, $14.95.
- Articles by feminist therapists.
- Brownmiller, Susan. *Femininity*. New York: Fawcett Columbine, 1984.
- About societal expectations and the symbolism in/behind actions
and appearance that are considered to be stereotypically "feminine,"
with some parallel material about masculinity. Especially good material
about size and shape in the first chapter, but all the material is
thought-provoking and often useful in understanding the impact of
gender on how we feel about our bodies. [blb]
- Brumberg, Joan Jacobs. *Fasting Girls: The History of Anorexia Nervosa*. New York: New American Library, 1989.
- A detailed and copiously documented, yet very readable book, covering
the history of this phenomenon from the 1300s to the present. Brumberg
shows that our views of the body and of fasting are shaped by a number
of cultural factors, from religion to economics; some connections
are made between the pathological fasting of any era and its "normal"
view of the body. Interesting reading for everyone. Documentation
in endnotes. [blb]
- Bruno, Barbara Altman, Ph.D. *Worth Your Weight*. Rutledge Books, 1-800-278-8533 (1-800 2 RUTLEDGE).
-
- Cannon, Geoffrey and Hetty Einzig. *Dieting Makes You Fat*. New York: Pocket Books, 1987.
- Argues against calorie-reduction dieting and in favor of a whole-foods
diet, high in fiber and without refined white flour or (especially)
sugar; also proposes that exercise may decrease weight and certainly
will increase health and energy. Good discussion of social attitudes
about weight, fat- directed hatred and self-hatred, including praise
of strength and freedom in women. Definitely has its own dietary axe
to grind, but presents much valuable information. Some in-text documentation.
[blb]
- Carlson, Nancy. *I Like Me*. Puffin Books, 0-14-050819-8, $3.99.
- Children's book. A little pig talks about how much sie likes hirself
(including hir curly tail, hir round tummy, and hir little feet).
[skw]
- Chapkis, Wendy. *Beauty Secrets: Women and the Politics of Appearance*. 1986, South End Press, 0-89608-280-2, $12.00.
- Addresses looksism in general.
- Chernin, Kim. *The Obsession: Reflections on the Tyranny of Slenderness*.
- New York: Harper and Row, 1981, 0-06-092505-1, $12.00. A ground-breaking
feminist study of the demands which society makes on women to be thin,
and the ways in which this is both cause and effect of woman's alienation
and disempowerment; an examination of what eating and appetite mean
in our society, using and critiquing a number of texts. Footnote documentation.
Highly recommended. [blb]
- Chernin, Kim. *The Hungry Self: Women, Eating, and Identity* New York: Times Books, 1985, 0-06-092504-3, $12.00.
- A feminist, psycho-sociological study of eating disorders, especially
in the context of expectations of and for women today. Interesting
discussion of eating and the mother-daughter relationship. Some footnote
documentation. [blb]
- Charlotte Cooper. *Fat and Proud: The Politics of Size* (The Women's Press, 1998). ISBN 0 7043 4473 4.
-
- Deckert, Barbara. *Sewing for Plus Sizes*. Taunton Pr; ISBN: 1561582840.
- Instructions on adapting patterns and designs for larger sizes.
Designed for the basic sewer. How to select designs, colors, and fabrics.
Author is a plus-size woman Photos of plus-size models.
- Ehrenreich, Barbara and Dierdre English. *For Her Own Good: 150 Years of the Experts' Advice to Women*. (New York: Anchor Books, 1978).
- A classic feminist analysis. Not about fat per se, but about general
attitudes toward women and women's bodies.
- Emme, et al. True Beauty : Positive Attitudes and Practical Tips
from the World's Leading Plus-Size Model
- Erdman, Cheri, Ed.D. *Live Large!* ISBN 0-06-251345-1.
- Affirmations and activities for size esteem.
- Erdman, Cheri, Ed.D. *Nothing To Lose: A Guide to Sane Living in a Larger Body*. Harper San Francisco, 0-06-251253-6, $18.00.
- Erdman is a professor and counselor at the College of DuPage in
Illinois. *Nothing to Lose* describes practical ways to move toward
a healthier, happier life as a fat person.
- Epstein, Diane and Kathleen Thompson. *Feeding on Dreams: Why America's Diet Industry Doesn't Work--And What Will Work for You*. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co, 1994.
- Noteworthy both for a highly detailed critique of American commercial
diet programs and for a stunningly middle-of-the-road discussion (unusual
in such a polarized field) of healthily and happily lowering setpoint
and living better, without all the "dieting" effects including self-hatred
and obsession with food. Good discussion of self-acceptance, learning
true hunger needs, and enjoying movement. Highly recommended. [blb]
- Ernsberger, Paul and Paul Haskew. *Rethinking Obesity: An Alternative View of its Health Implications*. Monograph issue of *The Journal of Obesity and Weight Regulation*, v. 6 n. 2 (Summer 1987).
- A well-researched, well-reasoned refutation of the NIH statement
"Health Implications of Obesity," arguing that the health risks of
obesity may be less than often supposed, that there may be some health
benefits to obesity (as seen in less risk of some kinds of cancer,
for instance), and that effective and/or unsafe attempts at lowering
weight pose a hitherto largely unacknowledged health risk. Recommends
increased emphasis on nutritional counseling and exercise training
rather than any more extreme treatments. Covers all the bases. Highly
recommended. [blb]
- Estroff, Hara. *Style Is Not a Size: Looking and Feeling Great in the Body You Have*. New York: Bantam Books, 1991.
- Second to Nancy Roberts' book in *joie de vivre*, but more detailed
in historical background and in analysis of the visual effects of
various pieces of clothing. Her aesthetics are more traditional than
Roberts's, emphasizing slimming lines and so on, but *not* self-hating
or anti-fat. In fact, there is a good section on how to improve appreciation
of one's own appearance. Highly recommended. [blb]
- Fallon, Patricia. Feminist Perspectives on Eating Disorders.
- Farro, Rita. Life Is Not A Dress Size. Available from Nancy's Notions, 800-833-0690. $16.95
- Tips on how to dress with style, regardless of size. Color photos.
Appendix on sewing clothing and accessories.
- *Fat Underground: The Original Radical Fat Feminists*, Largesse Presse, PO Box 9404, New Haven, CT 06534, $7.50.
- Sourcebook with historical information about the Fat Underground.
- Fraser, Laura. *Losing It: America's Obsession With Weight and the Industry That Feeds on It.* Dutton: 1997. ISBN 0-525-93891-5. $25.00.
- History and expose of the weight loss industry and medical field.
Very highly recommended.
- Foster, Patricia, ed. *Minding the Body: Women Writers on Body and Soul*. Anchor Books, 0-385-47167-X, $11.00.
- A book of writings by women on the physical nature of their bodies.
Three essays are of particular interest: a fat-positive essay by Sallie
Tisdale, an essay about growing up thin (and therefore ugly) in Beirut
by Hanan Al-Shaykh, and an essay about anorexia by Jenefer Shute.
- Freedman, Rita. *Beauty Bound* Lexington Books, 1986.
- Addresses body size, make-up and beauty pageants. More political
than Bodylove.
- Freedman, Rita. *Bodylove: Learning to Like our Looks and Ourselves, A Practical Guide for Women*. New York: Harper and Row, Publishers, 1988.
- How to change our psyches in order to truly love our physical selves
as we are. The book is both theoretical and practical, examining why
women are so critical of their bodies and presenting specific ways
to remedy that, including general approaches and exercises, both physical
and psychological. It addresses all-over issues of self-concept and
sensuality, and specific problems of bodylove such as weight or age.
Highly recommended. [blb]
- Friedman, Sandra Susan. *When Girls Feel Fat: Helping Girls Through Adolescence*. Toronto, Ontario: HarperCollins, 1998. $20.
- Helps girls deal with the underlying feelings that prompt them
to feel fat. Advice for parents and others is practical. Ends with
a well-organized list of resources for further assistance.
- Gaesser, Glenn A. *Big Fat Lies: The Truth About Your Weight and Your Health*. Ballantine Books, 0-449-90941-7 (hardcover).
- Debunks the myth of the height/weight chart and turns upside down
the standard belief that fat causes heart disease with evidence that
fat in some areas of the body actually protects from heart disease.
Advocates a new definition of fitness that focuses on insulin sensitivity,
light to moderate physical activity, and a low-fat diet (not for weight
loss). Note: Big Fat Lies is out of print, but you may be able to
order it from the author for $20 plus $3 shipping. Contact Glenn Gaesser
at gag2q@virginia.edu.
- Garrison, Terry Nicholetti. *Fed Up! A Woman's Guide to Freedom from the Diet/Weight Prison*. New York: Carroll & Graf Publishers, Inc., 1993.
- Some good research, but mainly a self-help book for people who
want to feel good about themselves, at any weight, instead of inadequate
and guilty. The tone may be a bit cute for some, but the material
is solid and important (and the energy is nice). Advocates learning
the facts about anti-fat prejudice, confronting it in ourselves and
others, and seeking mutual support. A good book for beginners at size
acceptance, but will provoke new thoughts in anyone. Good list of
resources. Recommended. [blb]
- Goffman, Erving. *Stigma: Notes on The Management of Spoiled Identity.* Simon and Schuster, Inc., 1963.
- Classic sociology text with some relevance to fatness.
- Goodman, W. Charisse. *The Invisible Woman: Confronting Weight Prejudice in America*. Gurze Books.
- Analyzes modern fat-negative writings and (among other things)
compares them to attitudes about Jews in Nazi Germany. You will be
angry when you finish this book.
- Gossett, Harry. *Fat Chance!*. Alexandria, VA: Independent Hill Press, 1986.
- Some personal history and a nice general summary of revisionist
(fat-acceptance) views concerning societal anti-fat pressure, how
to feel good, and most of all weight and health. Frustrating lack
of bibliography and even footnotes, but does mention books and articles
in the text. Good to see a book like this from a man, also. Recommended.
[blb]
- Grosswirth, Marvin. *Fat Pride: A Survival Handbook*. New York: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1971.
- This "non-diet book for a more attractive, confident, successful,
and happier you" is almost impossible to find, but worth it. Lots
of practical advice on grooming, dress, career, self-esteem, and even
sex; some material on what does (and does not) cause obesity. I just
loved the waspish tone of this book. Mr. Grosswirth is a snob, as
concerned with appearances as any slender person, mincing no words
when it comes to what is or is not appropriate in behavior or dress.
Since many fat liberationists reject other traditional snobberies
as well, this is refreshing. Bibliography. Highly recommended. [blb]
- Hall, Lindsey, ed. *Full Lives: Women Who Have Freed Themselves from Food & Weight Obsession*. Carlsbad, CA: Gurze Books, 1993.
- The focus of the pieces here are more on eating disorders than
on dieting or fat, but it contains ideas of use to anyone, about realistic
body image, acceptance, and a healthy attitude about food. Only one
contributor (Marcia Germaine Hutchinson) writes about coming to terms
with these issues as a fat woman. [blb]
- Head, Sandy Summers. *Sizing Up: Fashion, Fitness, and Self-Esteem for Full-Figured Women*. New York: A Fireside Book, Simon & Schuster, 1989.
- Most traditional of the plus-size fashion books, including much
more material about makeup and an endorsement of dieting for weight-loss
(though sanely). Some good material about positive attitude and sound
advice on building a wardrobe. Strongest point is copious, often lovely
photos of larger women (from XL to maybe XXXL). More for the feminine
than for the feminist. [blb]
- Herman, C. Peter and Janet Polivy. *Breaking the Diet Habit*.
-
- Higgs, Liz Curtis. *One Size Fits All and Other Fables*. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1993.
- Simple but entertaining and inspiring debunking of myths, including
"all fat people are lazy," "you'll never get a man," "you'll love
yourself more if you lose weight," and "all it takes is a little willpower."
Also interesting personal history, including an admirable confession
of her days leading a Christian dieting group (and a good explanation
of why the Bible is actually in favor of you enjoying your food).
[blb]
- Hillman, Carolynn. *Love Your Looks: How to Stop Criticizing and Start Appreciating Your Body*. Simon & Schuster, 0-684-81138-3, $12.00 US, $16.00 Canadian.
-
- Hirschmann, Jane R. and Carol H. Munter. *Overcoming Overeating* Reading, Massachusetts: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc., 1988.
- A self-help/psychology book that should be of interest to everyone
and of most help to those who have mild-to-moderate problems with
overeating due to emotional causes and previous deprivation. The authors
provide a program of freeing oneself from dieting, feeding oneself
on demand, and finding out what is true hunger and what eating is
based in needs that might be better met in other ways. Some discussion
of self-image and body-image. A moderate, useful approach. Recommended.
[blb]
- Hirschmann, Jane and Carol Munter. *When Women Stop Hating Their Bodies*.
- Encourages feeding on demand.
- Hirschmann, Jane R. and Lela Zaphiropoulos. *Are You Hungry? A Completely New Approach to Raising Children Free of Food and Weight Problems*. New York: Random House, 1985.
- Hirschmann's (and Munter's) idea of demand feeding applied to children,
so that hunger and satiation are learned and food is made a practical
issue rather than an emotional or ethical one. Useful for anyone,
perhaps necessary reading for parents or prospective parents. [blb]
- Hutchinson, Marcia Germaine. *Transforming Body Image: Learning to Love the Body You Have*. Freedom, CA: The Crossing Press, 1985.
- Physical and psychological exercises for exploring body image and
changing it, by a bodyworker (Feldenkrais Method). Some material specifically
related to weight (including discussion of cultural attitudes), but
mostly general advice about enjoyment and appreciation of the body,
useful to everyone--including people who are and/or feel fat. Recommended.
[blb]
- Hutchinson, Marcia Germaine. *200 Ways to Love the Body You Have*
- Companion to Transforming Body Image, above. Not about size acceptance
as such, but about ways to appreciate our bodies regardless of their
outer forms. http://www.crossingpress.com>
- Ikeda, Joanne, RD, and Priscilla Naworski, MS. *Am I Fat? Helping Young Children Accept Differences in Body Size*. ETR Associates, $14.95. (800) 321-4407
-
- *International No Diet Coalition Directory of Resources*. Willendorf Press, PO Box 407, Shady, NY 12409. $10 + $2.50 postage.
- 200 entries with contact information and descriptions of groups
in the anti-diet, size-acceptance movement.
- Jasper, Karin. *Are You Too Fat, Ginny?* Is Five Press.
- Self-acceptance book for girls.
- Johnston, Joni E. *Appearance Obsession: Learning to Love the Way You Look*. Health Communications, Inc., 1994.
- Not about fat per se, and uncritically accepts standard definitions
of obesity, but useful for examining the ways social conditioning
affects people's feelings about their bodies.
- Johnson, Carol. *Self Esteem Comes in All Sizes*.
- Written by the founder of Largely Positive, a fat-acceptance group
in Wisconsin.
- Kano, Susan. *Making Peace with Food*. New York: Harper and Row, Perennial Library, 1988, $13.00.
- Readable, practical, inspiring--subtitled, "Freeing Yourself from
the Diet/Weight Obsession," this book helps the reader "overcome yo-yo
dieting, binge eating, food anxiety, body anxiety, and self-defeating
guilt." It contains a summary of anti-dieting, setpoint findings,
then proposes methods for increasing one's self-esteem and living
in accord with one's own natural and healthy hungers, complete with
step-by-step workbook format. Good list of suggested further readings
and resources--the latter ranging from programs for those with eating
disorders to a listing for NAAFA, the National Association to Aid
Fat Americans, an activist and educational group. Highly recommended.
[blb]
- Kaplan, Jane Rachel, ed. *A Woman's Conflict: The Special Relationship Between Women and Food* Prentice-Hall, 1980.
-
- Kaufman, Miriam, M.D. and Teresa Pittman. *All Shapes and Sizes*. Harper Collins, 0-00-638020-4.
- A sensible book about kids and weight.
- Klein, Richard. *Eat Fat*. 1996.
- Klein is a French professor who writes books about personal pleasures
that annoy other people. His last book was called "Cigarettes Are
Sublime." *Eat Fat* is about society and attitudes towards fat people
(especially women). The book discusses, in a wandering, personal,
semi-poetic way, cultural references and publications such as *FaT
GiRL*, *Bulk Male*, *Plumpers*, and *Big Women*. It includes a history
of fat and attitudes toward fat, discussions of the scientific literature
on weight, fat beauty, fatphobic doctors, and the "Fat-Free" craze.
Some folks are suspicious that this book is some kind of elaborate
joke against fat people. Others value it and say Klein has good fat-acceptance
credentials.
- Lamb, Wally. *She's Come Undone*. Washington Square Press, 1996. ISBN: 0671003755. $14.
- About a girl who is fat, but weight is not a central issue in the
book. "How she deals with her weight is just another part of her neurosis.
Now, does the author touch on some pretty intense weight-related feelings
that I as a fat person have experienced? Hell yes. Does he paint a
fairly three-dimensional character whose life *does* include a weight
issue? Yes again. Does he limit her to it? Thank god, no."
- Langer, Stephen with James F. Scheer. *Solved: The Riddle of Weight Loss*. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 1989.
- Completely believing that one must weigh the "normal" amount, it
grinds its axes without any self-consciousness. I include this book
here because it does at least mention some of the major possible causes
of unnecessary weight gain now being investigated: thyroid disorder,
yeast (Candida albicans) infestation, hypoglycemia, food allergies,
adrenal stress. Take this book as a starting point for your own investigations.
[blb]
- Lewis, Mark. with a foreword by Les Dawson. *The Roly Polys : fit, fat and fruity.* London: W.H. Allen, 1986. ISBN/ISSN: 0491031750.
- The Roly Polys are a British dance troupe, all middle aged and
older, and beautifully plump.
- Lidell, Lucy. *The Sensual Body*. New York: Simon and Schuster, Inc., A Fireside Book, 1987.
- In the opening section, the author explains that although various
cultural trends alienate us from our bodies, bodily experience actually
is the source of some of the most important things in life. The rest
of the book discusses and presents ways to recapture bodily experience,
awareness, and identity, from massage and breathing techniques (outlined
in detail) to teaching systems such as aikido, t'ai chi, African dance,
chakra breathing (from kundalini yoga), and others. Exercises in listening,
looking, voice, touch, smell, and taste are also included, as are
discussions of ways to think and communicate, to experience trust
or release tension in the "bodymind." Highly recommended, especially
as a sourcebook of possibilities to investigate further. [blb]
- Lippincott, Catherine. *Well Rounded: Eight Simple Steps for Changing Your Life...Not Your Size*
- By a plus-size model. Recommended self-acceptance book.
- Logue, A. W. *The Psychology of Eating and Drinking*. New York: W. H. Freeman and Company, 1986.
- I suppose this might be a textbook. It certainly reads like a textbook--but
then I *like* reading some textbooks. The book covers basic research
on all areas related to psychology and food or drink, from what might
be the primary odors (much more debated than primary colors or tastes)
to genetic elements in taste-preferences, or the effects of food and
non-food substances on hyperactivity. Good sections on eating disorders
and on obesity, with current research and fair discussion of the different
sides of any controversy. Copious footnote documentation. (Did you
know there's a medical journal called *Appetite*?) Highly recommended.
[blb]
- Louderback, LLewellyn. *Fat Power*.
- Respected work from the early days of the size acceptance movement.
- Lynn, Thom N. et al. "Prevalence of Evidence of Prior Myocardial Infarction, Hypertension, and Diabetes with Obesity in Three Neighboring Communities in Pennsylvania." *The American Journal of the Medical Sciences*, October 1967, 385-391.
- A study of a geographical area in which obesity is prevalent but
is not accompanied by the expected frequency of health problems usually
associated with obesity, such as high blood pressure. Along with Stout
(see below), these findings suggest that in places in which fat is
not stigmatized, it may not be accompanied by as many health problems;
in other words, some of the health consequences of obesity may come
from the stress of being discriminated against. [blb]
- Lyons, Pat and Debby Burgard. *Great Shape: The First Fitness Guide for Large Women*. Bull Publishing Co, 0-923521-01-1, $14.95. (800) 676-2855
- Notes: Excellent, excellent, excellent. They talk about fitness
and movement as a right. They talk about barriers that keep people
(particularly fat women) from exercising. Probably also applicable
to men. [skw] More of a theory and encouragement book than a how-to
book, but covers everything from bicycling to martial arts.
- Mann, Dr. George. "The Influence of Obesity on Health." *New England Journal of Medicine*, July-August 1974.
- Suggests that obesity may not be the health problem that it is
thought to be, and that weight loss certainly is not as advantageous
as it is often said to be. [blb]
- Marano, Hara Estroff. *Style is Not a Size*.
- Notes: Practical clothing tips, brand names. Highly recommended.
[eb]
- Mayer, Ken, *Real Women Don't Diet!*. Silver Spring, Maryland: Bartleby Press, 1993.
- An opinionated and sometimes wonky, but basically good-hearted,
discourse on why our society suppresses fat women--whom the author
is attracted to and also admires/respects. Also everything else wrong
with the world. Some lovely photos of large women (clearly fat, but
midsize rather than supersize). Enjoyable. [blb]
- Millman, Marcia. *Such a Pretty Face: Being Fat in America*. New York: Berkley, 1981.
- Painful, angry, wise, strong--these are very moving analyses and
memoirs of what it means to be fat in America, from the hungry embarrassment
of summer diet camp to accounts of finally making peace with oneself
in NAAFA. Issues discussed include sexuality and obesity, compulsive
and non-compulsive eating, alienation that fat people experience from
themselves and from a society that rejects them. Accompanied by wonderful
photos of lovely, beautiful fat people. Highly recommended. [blb]
- Milne, A.A. *The World of Christopher Robin*.
- Notes: Contains a charming poem "Teddy Bear" written from Pooh's
perspective about being short and fat and handsome. [skw]
- Morrison, G.L. *More: Polyfidelitous Bisexual Love Poems*, *Gertrude Stein Has a Cow*, *Two Gentile Women Make Love*, *Having*, *Wanting*, *Losing*, *Weighing Desire*
- Fat-positive poetry chapbooks. PO Box 208 Eugene OR 97440. gl_m@efn.org
- Murray, Linda. *Larger Than Death*. ISBN 0-9642949-0-7. Orloff Press (1-800-724-8078). $23.00.
- Size-acceptance mystery novel. Lee Martindale of Rump Parliament
called it a "tightly-paced, well-crafted page turner."
- Naidus, Beverly. *One Size Does Not Fit All*. Aegis Publications, 1449 W. Littleton Blvd, #200 Littleton, CO 80120. (303) 730-6232. $15.
- Notes: Original art and collage exploring women's struggles with
weight and food.
- Nanfeldt, Suzan. *Plus Style: The Plus-Size Guide to Looking Great*. 1996 Penguin Books, 0-452-27596-2, $19.95 (softcover).
- Guide to career-appropriate dressing for mid-sized women who mostly
conform to several standard body types (e.g., "pear," "apple"). Includes
a list of clothing and fat-acceptance resources.
- Newman, Leslea. *Fat Chance*. 1994 G.P. Putnam Sons, 0-39-922760-1, $15.95.
-
- Newman, Leslea. *Some Body to Love*. Third Side Press, 1-879427-03-6, $12.95.
- Writing exercises plus an anthology of writings.
- Newman, Leslea, ed. *Eating Our Hearts Out: Personal Accounts of Women's Relationship to Food*. Freedom, CA: The Crossing Press, 1993.
- Poetry, fiction, and (mostly) personal essays by women on topics
from anorexia to fat-acceptance, love of good food to deep psychological
issues like family or sexuality. Many voices, all clear and distinct,
often deeply moving. Recommended. [blb]
- Newman, Leslea and Michael Willhoite. *Belinda's Bouquet*. Allyson Wonderland, 1-55583-154-0, $6.95.
- Notes: Children's book. Belinda is teased for being fat, decides
to go on a diet, and later decides she's fine just the way she is.
[skw]
- Northrup, Christiane, M.D. *Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing*.
-
- Notkin, Debbie and Laurie Toby Edison. *Women En Large: Images of Fat Nudes*. Books in Focus, P.O. Box 77005, San Francisco, CA 94107. (800) 463-6285, (510) 297-4012. 1-885495-00-5, $24.95 plus $2 shipping (Californians add $2.10 tax). Canada $33.95 plus postage.
- Notes: Photographs of nude fat women, accompanied by radical text.
Essays by and photos of several a.s.b-f regulars. [skw]
- O'Gaden, Irene. *Fat Girl: One Woman's Way Out*. Harper San Francisco, 0-06-250727-3, $12.00.
- Notes: I found the description of O'Gaden's relationship with food
and with her body painful to read. I suppose it is supposed to be.
I really liked the sketches of O'Gaden at different weights (she's
beautiful at all of them). She subscribes to the "you overeat for
protection, once you stop overeating you will be thin" school of thought,
which I don't agree with. [skw]
- Ogden, Jane. *Fat Chance! The Myth of Dieting Explained*. London and New York: Routledge, 1992.
- This well-researched, readable book is entirely about dieting,
but manages to cover all the bases: why it mostly doesn't work, why
we do it anyway, and how to be happy without it. Some gender analysis,
including a much-needed chapter on men and dieting. Unfortunate lack
of notes or full bibliography, but does give author and year of studies
in the text. Recommended. [blb]
- Orbach, Susie. *Fat Is a Feminist Issue*. New York: Berkley Books, 1978.
- There are ways in which more recent books have superseded this,
but they may not have been possible without it. Most of all, this
book sometimes confuses compulsive eating with (possibly metabolically-
or genetically- determined) overweight, and still assumes that a lower
weight is automatically desirable. On the other hand, the book offers
an examination of what fat means socially and psychologically, especially
to women, which is universally useful, and does promote self-acceptance
in both weight and eating. Footnote documentation and bibliography
of further readings. Recommended. [blb]
Notes: More concerned with eating disorders than size acceptance. She seems to say that if you don't eat compulsively, you won't be fat. Which is questionable. [skw] - Orbach, Susie. *Fat Is a Feminist Issue II: A Program to Conquer Compulsive Eating*. New York: Berkley Books, 1982.
- A more narrow focus than its predecessor makes the book more accurate
(by not pathologizing all fat people) but may lessen its force as
a radical social critique. Promotes self-love and freedom from guilt
as a way to non-disordered eating, much like Hirschmann and Munter's
work (all three of them worked together in the past). Some good exercises
to enhance feelings and acceptance. Recommended. [blb]
- Pinkwater, Daniel. *The Afterlife Diet*.
- Notes: Sci-fi, humor, fat-positive book. Great reading!
- Poulton, Terry. No Fat Chicks: How Big Business Profits Making
Women Hate Their Bodies-How to Fight Back. ISBN: 1559724234. Birch
Lane Press, 1997. $21.95. Journalist Terry Poulton focuses on the
huge profits of the diet industry, the glorification of emaciation,
and the weight loss struggles of famous women.
- Roberts, Nancy. *Breaking All the Rules*. New York: Viking Penguin, Inc., 1987.
- A guide to feeling good, and above all looking good, for large
women. Part personal memoir, part historical-cultural discussion,
and mostly a fashion and beauty guide--this book just bubbles over
with disregard of senseless rules and regard for oneself, with life
and style. Highly recommended. [blb] Notes: A delightful book with
a lot about looking good *and* fat. Also includes information about
exercise.
- Rodin, Judith. *Body Traps: Breaking the Binds that Keep You from Feeling Good About Your Body*. New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1992.
- Not a book of specific exercises, but much material to help one
re-think one's body-image and feelings about the body. The book combines
social critique, cultural analysis, and concrete psychological advice,
perhaps better than any book on body image I've seen. By a founder
of the Eating Disorders Clinic at Yale, this book is for anyone. Especially
will appeal to those who often find self-help books too cloying. Highly
recommended. [blb]
- Rose, Laura. Life Isn't Weighed on the Bathroom Scales; Don't Be
a Victim of the Thinness Conspiracy.
- Roth, Geneen. *Breaking Free from Compulsive Eating*. New York: Signet, 1984.
- A recovering compulsive eater and then anorexic herself, Roth presents
a moving, insightful study of what it means to eat compulsively and
how it is possible to reclaim a natural and properly hunger-based
approach to eating. She presents exercises from her Breaking Free
workshops which one can often try oneself; this book is an excellent
depiction of the experiences and feelings of others, but also a way
to discover one's own experiences and feelings more fully. Specifically
helpful to those with eating disorders, the book also holds insights
regarding weight and eating for all. Recommended. [blb]
- Roth, Geneen. *Feeding the Hungry Heart: The Experience of Compulsive Eating*. New York: Signet, 1982.
- Some very moving writing, by Roth and others, about the personal
experience of compulsive eating--and also of normal eating, overweight,
dieting, and other experiences which I can't help wishing Roth had
distinguished from compulsive eating just a bit more carefully. Still,
a moving and interesting set of documents, no matter how you look
at them. The contents include memoir, poetry, prose-poem, fiction,
and even a dialogue between a woman and her fat. [blb]
- Rush, Anne Kent. *Getting Clear: Body Work for Women*. New York: Random House, 1973.
- Almost exclusively by and for women, this is a great sourcebook
on how to be fully human. The grounding in theory is evident, but
the presentation is practical: exercises in body-awareness and body-acceptance,
relaxation, relating well to food, sensual enjoyment of all kinds,
communication, self- love in both the euphemistic and non-euphemistic
use of the term. Highly recommended. [blb]
- Sabo, Sandie. *Sandie's Clothesline*. $15.95 to Sandie Sabo, PO Box 257, Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007.
- Small clothing and fashion resource guide for plus-sized and supersized
women (compiled by Dimensions magazine fashion editor). Retail stores,
outlet stores, catalogs, manufacturers, designers, vendors and specialty
item sources. Focus on small and independent store/company. 200 listings.
- Sabo, Sandie. *So you want to be a model!*. $14.95 to Sandie Sabo, PO Box 257, Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007.
- Short guide on how to break into plus- and supersized fashion and
"adult" modeling. Includes agents.
- St. Paige, Edward. *Zaftig: The Case for Curves*. 1999. ISBN: 1883211174.
- Coffee table book of art and quotes in praise of fat and curvaceous
women.
- Schoenfielder, Lisa and Barb Wieser, Ed. *Shadow on a Tightrope: Writings by Women on Fat Oppression*. Aunt Lute Books, 1-879960-25-7, $9.95.
- A collection of some of the strongest writings to come out of the
early feminist fat-liberation movement. Some of it is too imbued with
radical anger for my tastes; on the other hand, the experiences are
all real, fierce, and important. Good first-hand accounts and studies
of all sorts of aspects of oppression of fat people, and some examination
of how things could be better. Also, some good, well-documented presentations
of revisionist views of fat and medical issues. Footnote documentation
in some articles; bibliography for further reading. Highly recommended.
[blb]
Notes: A fantastic collection of essays. One of the first fat activist works. [skw] - Schroeder, Charles Roy. *Fat Is Not a Four-Letter Word*. Minneapolis: Chronimed Publishing, 1992 .$14.95. ISBN 1-6561-000-8.
- A Ph.D. physiologist discusses mostly medical aspects of weight,
dieting and health, but also things like fat rights and the history
of the aesthetics of fat. Excellent material on use and misuse of
statistics. Small but excellent endnotes and bibliography. Note: coins
acronyms FATISTs (Fat Abhorring, Terribly Insulting, Sadistic Tormentors)
and MAGGOTs (Money Acquisitive, Grotesquely Greedy Obesity Tyrants).
Highly recommended. [blb]
Notes: The tone of this book is reportedly somewhat lecherous, but it has some good information in it. - Schwartz, Bob. *Diets Don't Work*.
-
- Schwartz, Hillel. *Never Satisfied: A Cultural History of Diets, Fantasies, and Fat*. New York: The Free Press/Macmillan, Inc., 1986.
- Fascinating, excellently researched, and highly readable study
of American attitudes about food and weight control, from the early
19th century to the present. Includes material on various fads (from
funny to horrific), general historical trends, and the cultural ideas
and symbolism behind these. Final chapter leaves the voice of an objective
historian to advocate some fat-acceptance views for today's readers.
Copious, great endnote documentation. Highly recommended. [blb]
- Seid, Roberta Pollack. *Never Too Thin: Why Women Are at War with Their Bodies*. New York: Prentice Hall Press, 1989.
- Excellent historical study of the quest for thinness, with some
perspective back to antiquity but concentrating on America from 1930
to the present. Impeccably researched and clearly argued, the book
both promotes accurate understanding of complex events and offers
some societal critique (including scathing analysis of the Metropolitan
Life Insurance Company weight-charts). Endnotes with documentation
to die for! Highly recommended. [blb]
- Seligman, Martin E. P. *What You Can Change...And What You Can't: The Complete Guide to Successful Self-Improvement and Learning to Accept Who You Are*.
- Notes: A good chapter on weight -- supportive of many of the arguments
advanced by the fat-acceptance movement about the ineffectiveness
of weight-loss dieting, and well documented.
- Shaw, Carole and Hank Nuwer. *Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are*. Los Angeles: American R. R. Publishing Company, 1982.
- By the woman who started *BBW*, this covers some of the same ground
as the magazine, but better. Includes personal history, fashion advice
(debunking many myths about what's "flattering") including hair styling,
encouragement to feel and be one's best, how to get good health care,
tips on travel, discussions of being fat and sexy--not research or
analysis, but sound advice with a good attitude. Highly recommended.
[blb]
- Solovay, Sondra. *Tipping the Scales of Justice: Fighting Weight Based Discrimination.* Prometheus Books. ISBN 1-57392-764-3. $16.95.
- The first book to examine the intersection of weight prejudice,
the law, and the civil rights issue of weight-based discrimination.
- Sommers, Abigail. *Love in the Pyramid*. Rubenesque Romances, PO Box 534, Tarrytown, NY 10591-0534. (800) 211-1660. 1-888038-04-7, $6.95.
- Comes in a photocopy shop plastic binding.
- Stacey, Michelle. *Consumed: Why Americans Love, Hate, and Fear Food*. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1994.
- Detailed and interesting study of current American beliefs about
food, rational and irrational, with some background from the late
1800s. Final chapter suggesting we should relax and enjoy food more
in a guilt-free way. The ideas are good and often compelling, and
the book is well-researched, but may have too much food-business trivia
for some. Endnotes. [blb]
- Stimson, Karen. *Fat Feminist Herstory*. Largesse Presse, PO Box 9404, New Haven, CT 06534. $0.75.
- Pamphlet.
- Stimson, Karen. *Room To Grow*. Largesse Presse, PO Box 9404, New Haven, CT 06534. $5.
- Booklet containing "nine poems of size" by Karen Stimson.
- Stinson, Susan. *Belly Songs: In celebration of fat women*. PO Box 433, Northhampton, MA 01060. $9.
- Book of poems.
- Stinson, Susan. *Fat Girl Dances with Rocks*. $10.95.
- A fat 17-year-old girl get a summer job in a nursing home and meets
people with various bodies and abilities. She comes to terms with
her lesbian sexuality and her body.
- Stout, Clark et al. "Unusually Low Incidence of Death from Myocardial Infarction." *Journal of the American Medical Association*, v. 188, n. 10, 845-849.
- A study of unusually low rates of obesity-related heart-attacks
in Samoa, where fat is positively valued. See entry for Lynn, above.
[blb]
- Stuart, Mary S. and Lynnzy Orr. *Otherwise Perfect: People and Their Problems with Weight*. Pompano Beach, Florida: Health Communications, Inc., 1987.
- Short and readable, a good general guide to psychological factors
in weight and eating disorders, physiological determiners of weight
(including set-point and genetics), how to productively make and follow
through with choices to lose or to maintain weight. Bibliography.
Recommended. [blb]
- Stuart, Richard B. and Barbara Jacobson. *Weight, Sex & Marriage: A Delicate Balance*. New York: Simon & Schuster, a Fireside Book, 1989.
- This book tried to look at all sides of the issue, and does counsel
self-love rather than self-hatred, but it mostly just assumes that
fat is inherently unattractive, so the analysis of how spouses react
to fat and weight loss is perhaps too skewed and certainly severely
incomplete. If you do have issues like those discussed here, the book
could help; certainly interesting. [blb]
- Stunkard, Albert J., M.D. *The Pain of Obesity*. Bull Publishing Co., 1976.
- States that fat is not a psychological disorder. Discusses how
society needs to accept large people.
- Sullivan, Judy. *Size Wise*. Avon Publishing, 1997. http://www.sizewise.com
- Resources for people size 2X and up. Web site includes Size Wise
Seek size-positive search index.
- Sward, Sharon. *You Are More Than What You Weigh: Improving Your Self Esteem No Matter What Your Weight*. Wholesome Publisher. ISBN 0-9648874-0-1. $16.95.
- Practical guide for improving self-esteem.
- Thomas, Pattie. *Before and After: Living Fat in a Thin Society*. PO Box 8507, Clearwater, FL 34620-8507. $5 donation requested. Email: dylancat@grove.ufl.edu
- Notes: Collection of essays and poems from a feminist perspective
about the author's experiences as a big woman.
- Thone, Ruth. *Fat--A Fate Worse Than Death? Women, Weight, and
Appearance* (Haworth Press, 1997). ISBN: 1560239085.
- Walker, Elizabeth Neff. *An Abundant Woman* (Belgrave House, 1998). ISBN: 0966064372.
- Romance novel with a size-acceptance theme.
- Wann, Marilyn. FAT!SO? Because You Don't Have to Apologize for Your Size.
- Compiled from the 'zine Fat!So? with new material.
- Wiley, Carol, ed. *Journeys to Self-Acceptance: Fat Women Speak*. Freedom, CA: The Crossing Press, 1994, 0-89594-656-4, $9.95.
- A well-researched, brief essay by the editor introduces two dozen
short personal essays on topics from clothing to dance, family patterns
of fat to self-perception. Interesting and often inspirational. Contains
my piece "Some Painful and Healing Words." Recommended. [blb]
- Wolf, Naomi. *The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women*. William Morrow & Co., 1991.
- Very well known and well done feminist analysis of the way society
approaches feminine beauty.
- Wooley, O. W., S. W. Wooley, and S. R. Dyrenforth. "Obesity and Women--I. A Closer Look at the Facts" and "Obesity and Women--II. A Neglected Feminist Topic." *Women's Studies International Quarterly*, 2 (1979), 69-79, 81-92.
- Feminist analysis of society's prejudice against fat and the connection
it has to female oppression. "Compared to non-obese women, overweight
women are much less likely to achieve a higher socioeconomic status,
and much more likely to achieve a lower status than their parents."
[blb]
- Yetiv, Jack Z. *Popular Nutritional Practices: Sense and Nonsense*. New York: Dell, 1988.
- This author seems to hold only one thing sacred: experimental research. He clearly does have his own opinions--which, regarding eating or obesity, are more traditional than most sources in this bibliography--but he feels duty-bound to report all research accurately, and he is often swayed by it to somewhat revisionist conclusions. Copious footnote documentation. [blb]
SECTION B: Information about this FAQ
B1) Are there other related FAQs?
There is some overlap in the topics covered by the FAQs. If you don't find what you're looking for here, try the other FAQs.The latest version of the following FAQs can be found at: http://www.cat-and-dragon.com/~stef/Fatfaqs/
- alt.support.big-folks newsgroup FAQ
- soc.support.fat-acceptance newsgroup FAQ
- soc.support.fat-acceptance.moderated newsgroup FAQ
- Clothing for Big Folks in Canada
- Clothing for Big Folks in the U.S. (parts 1 and 2)
- Organizations for Big Folks
- Online Resources for Big Folks
- Other Resources for Big Folks
- Publications for Big Folks
- Resources for Dealing With the Physical Aspects of Being Fat
- Size-acceptance
- Big Folks and Fitness
- Big Folks and Health
- Big Folks and Sports
- Research on Big Folks
- Clothing for Big Folks in the U.K. at http://www.thegrapevine.co.uk/Avalanche/FAQ-UK.htm
- Clothing for Big Folks in Europe at http://www.thegrapevine.co.uk/Avalanche/FAQ-Europe.htm
- Plus-Size Pregnancy Website at http://www.teleport.com/~rvireday/plus/
You can also find (sometimes slightly older versions of) the above FAQs (except the plus-size pregnancy FAQs) at the following locations:
- ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/fat-acceptance-faq/
- http://www.faqs.org/faqs/fat-acceptance-faq/
- http://www.cs.uu.nl/wais/html/na-dir/fat-acceptance-faq/.html
You can also get FAQs from rtfm.mit.edu via anonymous FTP or via the mail archive server. For information about the mail server, send email to mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu with the word "help" (without the quotes) in the body of the message.
B2) Posting information
This document is posted bi-weekly to alt.support.big-folks, soc.support.fat-acceptance, and soc.support.fat-acceptance.moderated.Stef Maruch (stef@cat-and-dragon.com) maintains this FAQ.
B3) Contributors
These are the people who contributed significant chunks to the FAQ: Sasha Wood (Sasha.Wood@cs.cmu.edu)
Largesse (75773.717@compuserve.com)
Bernadette Bosky (blb@panix.com)
Suggestions for additions/improvements are always welcome.
Send suggestions to Stef Maruch
(stef@cat-and-dragon.com)
Copyright 1995, 1996 by Stef Maruch (stef@cat-and-dragon.com)
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