Weighed Down: Unlearning the Lies Sold to Us About Our Bodies

by Mary Pearson, Brigitte Botten, Nelly Rose

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 judgement of ourselves and those we love.

72 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2024

Reviews

[Barbara Strickland · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insight we all need
This book is about how we view ourselves. It is well-written and very down to earth because the subject matter needs this kind of insight. What is brought home gently but firmly is that perhaps we all need to reconsider how we see ourselves and others. Sometimes we can be well-intentioned but careless in what we say and think. Re-thinking this topic is something we need to consider and hopefully act accordingly. Good reading.

[April Hammel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weighed Down is a quick page turner with a lot of depth and reflection to the current world we find ourselves living in, by following the stories of three different women growing up in a world which feeds us shallow and unrealistic beauty standards disguised as health and happiness.
Mary has created a story which is humorous, informative and relatable!

[Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book!! Such important conversations and realisations to be had and so many relatable and inspiring messages. I'm so grateful to Mary and her co-authors for sharing their stories.

[Natalie Saroglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weighed Down approaches the subjects of food and our bodies in a really thought provoking way. Found it to be an easy read that was inspiring as there was no 'in your face' advice. Just an invitation to perhaps make a change in your own perspective.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy to read and thoughtful discussion of body image and diet culture, with engaging stories throughout.

[Bec Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, short, easy read on a serious topic. This is a must-read for every person who is unhappy with their body or believes that their worth is tied to how they look.