Self-Esteem Comes in All Sizes: How to Be Happy and Healthy at Your Natural Weight

by Carol A. Johnson

Book Overview

For large women who are tired of unsuccessful dieting and feeling bad about their size, this book offers specific things they can do to feel attractive, sexy, and happy at their natural weight. Upbeat and affirmative, it features empowering personal stories, a Large Person's Bill of Rights, updated research on obesity and genetics, and resources for plus-size women.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0936077379
• ISBN13: 9780936077376
• Release Date: June 2001
• Publisher: Gurze Books
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Fat People Deserve to Live Fully

The main message I took away from this book was that being fat is nothing to be ashamed of, and no reason to put off enjoying life and doing what you want to do. Given that millions of women of all sizes are miserable about their weight, hide themselves away because of shame about their weight, and think "I have to be thin before I can participate in public life or enjoy myself," I think Johnson's book sends a very important countermessage. Given the daily media bombardments reinforcing the notion that fat people don't deserve to be part of public life, I think her message needs wide distribution.The tips on creating your own support group are invaluable.

Self-acceptance and self-love are finally achievable!

This book is a lifesaver - literally. It explains in great detail how to live your life in the moment, and not waste any more time waiting "until I'm thin."There are chapters on why some people are born to be big genetically due to family heritage, on how culture shapes us to believe that only thin people are attractive and deserving, and on how discrimination against larger-sized people is the last acceptable form of discrimination in the United States. These chapters set the stage for what you can do to change your life and the way that you live it. Next come chapters about how to create your own ideals about body image, how to improve your self-esteem from within, and how to create your own personal style (in clothing, jewelry, etc.) There is a chapter on how to deal with people (friends, family and strangers) who seem to think that you don't know you are large, and feel the need to comment on your size to you or behind your back. (I found this chapter particularly helpful, as it gave good advice on how to confront people about their behavior without being cruel and with an eye on educating.) The book finishes up with chapters on finding ways to move that please you and your body, and describing the "size acceptance movement" that is sweeping the country. At the end is a resource for finding plus-sized clothing, health information and psychological support.I got this book from the library and intend to buy several copies for myself and friends. I have read many many books on this and similar topics, and I feel that this one is the best of the bunch. Just reading it made me feel strong, confident, and better about myself. I know I'm going to need to keep reading it for some time to come before I gain a better self-esteem for good, but I'm looking forward to it! I recommend this book highly to anyone who is dealing with esteem issues because of their size.

Practical Helps For Overweight People

This amazing book not only deals with the subject of weight; but actually gives much needed advice for the problems of everyday living with weight. Carol Johnson has categorized many problems that only the overweight and extremely obese must deal with on a daily basis, and offered solutions to these problems by addressing it in a practical, no-nonsense manner. The lists of services directed toward the obese person are invaluable, and I found so many sensible and understanding helps in this book. It is truly a guideline for living that has heretofore been available to only the average person. Ms. Johnson has given a wonderful blueprint for living a normal life no matter how abnormal one may feel. Her writing shows her compassion and desire to help in a positive manner. A remarkable look into her generous heart.

Fantastic feel-good book

I felt soooo good after reading this book that I opened it up to the first page and read it again! Then I ordered copies for all my friends. It gives you great information on obesity and its causes, and teaches ways to live a happy, HEALTHY life at any size. Wonderful book, and long overdue!

Puts women's body image ideas into perspective.

On a deep personal level, I found this book to be just what I needed! Carol Johnson has helped me to accept myself as I am. I am a lifetime dieter. Since reading her book, I no longer diet. I have made a life change. She helped to turn on that "light" that is in all of us. I eat right, exercise 6 times week and am not thin. I am all I can be and that has to be enough. I now accept that fact and live my life accordingly. I got several copies of her book & gave it to my friends. She is tuly an inspiration for all women no matter what size you are!! Thank you Carol for being you!