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The Weight of Being: How I Satisfied My Hunger for Happiness
A brutally honest story about being fat in America--and one woman's experience with radical weight loss after a lifetime of fat shaming
Kara Richardson Whitely thought she could do anything. After all, she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro-three times! But now she's off the mountain and back home again, and there's one thing she just can't manage to do: lose weight.
In many ways, Kara is living the life of everywoman, except that she's not everywoman because she weighs 300 pounds and is tormented by binge eating disorder. Her weight is a constant source of conflict and shame, as the people from every corner of her life, from her coworkers to the neighbors down the street, judge Kara for the size of her body. When it becomes just too much to tolerate, Kara turns to therapy and weight-loss surgery, a choice that transforms her body-and her life.
Kara's story is one of living as a fat woman in America, where fat prejudice is rampant despite our nation's pandemic of obesity. In this fresh, raw memoir, Kara reveals this epic contradiction, and offers a revealing comparison of life before and after radical weight loss.
Kara Richardson Whitely thought she could do anything. After all, she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro-three times! But now she's off the mountain and back home again, and there's one thing she just can't manage to do: lose weight.
In many ways, Kara is living the life of everywoman, except that she's not everywoman because she weighs 300 pounds and is tormented by binge eating disorder. Her weight is a constant source of conflict and shame, as the people from every corner of her life, from her coworkers to the neighbors down the street, judge Kara for the size of her body. When it becomes just too much to tolerate, Kara turns to therapy and weight-loss surgery, a choice that transforms her body-and her life.
Kara's story is one of living as a fat woman in America, where fat prejudice is rampant despite our nation's pandemic of obesity. In this fresh, raw memoir, Kara reveals this epic contradiction, and offers a revealing comparison of life before and after radical weight loss.
- GenresNonfictionMemoirHealth
272 pages, Paperback
First published August 22, 2017
13 people are currently reading
737 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 16, 2018
In The Weight of Being, author Kara Richardson Whitely reveals her struggle with trying to lose weight, having a binge-eating disorder, and the shame she feels about her size. Following along in her journey, readers will learn about the frustration she felt with each failed dieting attempt, the fears she had about passing on bad food habits to her children, and the despair she felt when her weight began to prevent her from participating in family activities she once enjoyed—all of which ultimately led her to making a life-changing decision.
I read most of this book in one sitting, stopping only when my eyes felt too heavy with the need to sleep. I was completely wrapped up in Kara's story, wanting to know more as each chapter came to an end. I felt a great deal of empathy for her frustrations, particularly when things left her feeling overwhelmed or inadequate in some way—something I think every woman can relate to, whether they struggle with weight or other issues.
Whitely's conversational writing style was enjoyable to read, and I think it's one of the main reasons I felt so compelled to keep reading as long as I could. It sort of felt like I was participating in an actual conversation, rather than reading a book... if that makes any sense. I appreciated her candor in telling her story, as well. In an era where many people want to present themselves as close to perfect as possible, it's refreshing to see someone willing to be real for a change!
Simply put, this memoir is inspirational, and definitely a book worth reading.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Seal Press via Netgalley.
I read most of this book in one sitting, stopping only when my eyes felt too heavy with the need to sleep. I was completely wrapped up in Kara's story, wanting to know more as each chapter came to an end. I felt a great deal of empathy for her frustrations, particularly when things left her feeling overwhelmed or inadequate in some way—something I think every woman can relate to, whether they struggle with weight or other issues.
Whitely's conversational writing style was enjoyable to read, and I think it's one of the main reasons I felt so compelled to keep reading as long as I could. It sort of felt like I was participating in an actual conversation, rather than reading a book... if that makes any sense. I appreciated her candor in telling her story, as well. In an era where many people want to present themselves as close to perfect as possible, it's refreshing to see someone willing to be real for a change!
Simply put, this memoir is inspirational, and definitely a book worth reading.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Seal Press via Netgalley.
July 11, 2018
A raw, realistic and absolutely heartbreaking look at what it's like to be obese in America, and what Binge Eating Disorder is and the havoc it wreaks. I've heard and read that the obese are the last group it's "ok" to openly discriminate against; while I'm not sure they're the *only* group, they are definitely treated with absolute disdain all over the place. I'm thankful for Whitely's bravery in telling her stories of humiliating experiences, so that hopefully more people can place themselves in her shoes and think about what their actions and words do to people. I'm also thankful for Whitely's willingness to open up about her struggles with anxiety and depression, for the same reason: that people can put themselves in her shoes and start to reduce the stigma that's often attached to mental illness.
While I'm rooting for Kara on her post-surgery journey to lose weight and learn to have a better relationship with food, what I'm most happy about is that she finally reached out to get the help she so desperately needed to make her life and emotional turmoil more manageable: therapy, help with her kids, finally opening up about things that were eating away at her. It seemed that those issues were the real root of the problem, and without starting to address those, everything else is pointless.
The book could use some tightening up - there were a few instances where Whitely went of on tangents that didn't seem to have much to do with the overall story (the tidbit about the competing Halloween parties, for example) - and there were some loose ends that I wondered about (her borderline-compulsive and secretive spending of money, for one; her husband's not doing his fair share with the home and the kids, for another). But overall it was a powerful story.
*Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, provided by the author and/or the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
While I'm rooting for Kara on her post-surgery journey to lose weight and learn to have a better relationship with food, what I'm most happy about is that she finally reached out to get the help she so desperately needed to make her life and emotional turmoil more manageable: therapy, help with her kids, finally opening up about things that were eating away at her. It seemed that those issues were the real root of the problem, and without starting to address those, everything else is pointless.
The book could use some tightening up - there were a few instances where Whitely went of on tangents that didn't seem to have much to do with the overall story (the tidbit about the competing Halloween parties, for example) - and there were some loose ends that I wondered about (her borderline-compulsive and secretive spending of money, for one; her husband's not doing his fair share with the home and the kids, for another). But overall it was a powerful story.
*Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, provided by the author and/or the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2022
I think it's a fabulous book if you want to understand what it's like living in a fat body but I switched off a bit near the end
July 17, 2018
I read this author's first book and found it inspirational, so I was a little disappointed with this one.
While her first book was all about empowerment and discovering yourself, this one is all about EVERYONE else in her life. I do recognize that eating disorders affect just about everyone in the person's life and it is important to reflect that and understand how they are impacted. For this, I give the author full credit. She wasn't afraid to confront what her food issues are doing to her family.
Having said that though, I worried that she basically put everyone's feelings above her own ALL THE TIME. Frankly, nobody came across as particularly nice or even encouraging in this story. Her husband basically doesn't want to deal with any of it, so he ends up coming off a bit selfish and Kara's mother needs to be told that she is needed by her daughter, which is sad.
This book feels as though everything that is wrong in Kara's life and family is because she is overweight. I understand that Kara would think this, but I would have killed for ONE member of her family to tell her "we will support you and your decisions" and "not everything that is going wrong in our lives is because you are overweight".
The most interesting aspects for me are the running commentaries in Kara's mind, as she tries to fit these emotions and reflection into her reality of day to day life - something that I believe every binge eater does. The emotions and thoughts that came through Kara were scary, deep and honest. This is the Kara that I liked in the first book.
Overall, I am left somewhat let down. I wanted more Kara and her thoughts, her ambitions and her hopefulness.
While her first book was all about empowerment and discovering yourself, this one is all about EVERYONE else in her life. I do recognize that eating disorders affect just about everyone in the person's life and it is important to reflect that and understand how they are impacted. For this, I give the author full credit. She wasn't afraid to confront what her food issues are doing to her family.
Having said that though, I worried that she basically put everyone's feelings above her own ALL THE TIME. Frankly, nobody came across as particularly nice or even encouraging in this story. Her husband basically doesn't want to deal with any of it, so he ends up coming off a bit selfish and Kara's mother needs to be told that she is needed by her daughter, which is sad.
This book feels as though everything that is wrong in Kara's life and family is because she is overweight. I understand that Kara would think this, but I would have killed for ONE member of her family to tell her "we will support you and your decisions" and "not everything that is going wrong in our lives is because you are overweight".
The most interesting aspects for me are the running commentaries in Kara's mind, as she tries to fit these emotions and reflection into her reality of day to day life - something that I believe every binge eater does. The emotions and thoughts that came through Kara were scary, deep and honest. This is the Kara that I liked in the first book.
Overall, I am left somewhat let down. I wanted more Kara and her thoughts, her ambitions and her hopefulness.
July 5, 2018
Having read Kara's previous two books I was ecstatic to get my hands on this book.
I truly root for Kara and wish her nothing but success with her struggles. I truly wanted to love this book. At first there was some retread of her background that she talks about in her previous books. I understand the necessity for any readers who didn't read her previous books and know her back story. It just felt a little too much like "Have I read this book before?".
Overall I just didn't love the tone. There was a lot of anger at innocent people (husband/kids), but I did love how happy she seemed in the end. I wish her all the best.
I received an advanced copy of this book through Net Galley in exchange for an unbiased review.
I truly root for Kara and wish her nothing but success with her struggles. I truly wanted to love this book. At first there was some retread of her background that she talks about in her previous books. I understand the necessity for any readers who didn't read her previous books and know her back story. It just felt a little too much like "Have I read this book before?".
Overall I just didn't love the tone. There was a lot of anger at innocent people (husband/kids), but I did love how happy she seemed in the end. I wish her all the best.
I received an advanced copy of this book through Net Galley in exchange for an unbiased review.
October 9, 2018
Reading Ms. Whitley's books are like looking in a mirror. And for that, I'm grateful - because Whitely writes with grace and empathy on how it is to be a plus size woman in an image obsessed world. And she goes deeper this time, talking about how her challenges with food (specifically binge eating) impact her family life. Whitely's memoirs are raw and have the power to heal the reader. I'm always grateful that I've read her work.
June 5, 2018
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I truly liked her honestly and her candor. She was honest and didn't sugar coat it at all.
It was a quick read. I read it in one day on my commute.
Enjoyable.
I truly liked her honestly and her candor. She was honest and didn't sugar coat it at all.
It was a quick read. I read it in one day on my commute.
Enjoyable.
July 30, 2018
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.*
A really honest memoir about the author's struggles with her weight and addiction to food
A really honest memoir about the author's struggles with her weight and addiction to food
April 7, 2024
Very informative. Well written. I enjoyed it.
November 12, 2019
An honest memoir, about a woman's struggle with Binge Eating Disorder and the difficulty of being morbidly obese. She ends up having a gastric stapling and loses weight. It is the beginning of learning how to navigate being present with her feelings, her family, and how to cope with stress. She had a supportive spouse and received professional help as well. It is a great reminder that often people that struggle to that degree carry a great deal with them other than the physical weight.
March 14, 2020
While I hesitate to rate a memoir so low I still am due to the way it resonated with me. While well written a lot of the book felt off, like I really disliked the way the author’s husband interacted with her. She mentions how good looking he is, how in shape he is, and how UNHELPFUL he was with all their kids. I caught myself rolling my eyes so many times.
December 2, 2020
About a woman who was attacked as a youth and packed on some pounds. Her dad leaves so she has daddy issues. Marries, three children and CAN NOT stop loading her pie hole, despite barely able to move around. Her child's class mates call her fat. She ultimately decides to get surgery to finally reduce her HUNGER!
January 31, 2019
Interesting memoir about the author's journey trying to overcome her weight issues. She wrote an earlier book Gorge (that I did not read) about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro 3 times - I wish she had touched more on that. Nonetheless a quick and interesting read.
March 7, 2019
A bit repetitive of her second book, but still a good read. Very honest.
April 5, 2019
The beginning really grabbed my attention, but as a whole the book felt like it needed more depth
May 28, 2018
@NetGalley #partner
Thank you #NetGalley for the review copy of #TheWeightOfBeing. All opinions are my own.
Kara has struggled with her weight for most of her life. Food is what she uses for comfort, boredom, hunger, anything. As a result, she ends up weighing well over 300 pounds. She struggles through different diets and can't seem to lose the weight. This is her story about her journey.
This book was pretty good. It was an interesting look at how an overweight person feels about themself. This author also was living in a time where Binge Eating Disorder was not a classified eating disorder so she's not really sure what to call her problem. The character is relatable and I enjoyed reading about her journey.
This title is set to release July 31, 2018.
#books #bookstagram #reviewer #ARC
Thank you #NetGalley for the review copy of #TheWeightOfBeing. All opinions are my own.
Kara has struggled with her weight for most of her life. Food is what she uses for comfort, boredom, hunger, anything. As a result, she ends up weighing well over 300 pounds. She struggles through different diets and can't seem to lose the weight. This is her story about her journey.
This book was pretty good. It was an interesting look at how an overweight person feels about themself. This author also was living in a time where Binge Eating Disorder was not a classified eating disorder so she's not really sure what to call her problem. The character is relatable and I enjoyed reading about her journey.
This title is set to release July 31, 2018.
#books #bookstagram #reviewer #ARC
August 25, 2018
Unrelentingly honest
Ah yes .. I relate to the chronic condition called obesity and its counterpart BED. Kara’s truthful revelation of her pain and journey is sometimes tough to read, but only because although the names have been changed and the circumstances different, it’s me, too. I recommend her book if only to be honest w yourself in her honesty.
Ah yes .. I relate to the chronic condition called obesity and its counterpart BED. Kara’s truthful revelation of her pain and journey is sometimes tough to read, but only because although the names have been changed and the circumstances different, it’s me, too. I recommend her book if only to be honest w yourself in her honesty.
October 25, 2018
Great book - easy to read. Really gave a good insight into how someone who is extremely overweight feels in a world where most people are different from them. I admire her for not only taking the step to get the surgery, but more importantly, for the mental/emotional work she must do to keep progressing towards a healthy recovery.
January 9, 2019
This was a nice little memoir about one women's journey of dealing with binge eating disorder and how she transformed her life. It's a quick read and the writing is nice and reasonably compelling. Definitely kept me interested in her story, which is sometimes lacking in these personal transformation memoirs.
April 30, 2019
I had Bariatric surgery on March 26 2018. This book was recommended to me, and I'm glad I decided to read it. I love how honest Kara was about her struggles with weight, and her decision to have weight loss surgery. Honestly, this book felt like it was written by me (minus being a little younger and no kids).
September 19, 2018
I liked this woman's journey a lot. She remained a positive person deep down I thought even with her weight struggles and other things that happened to her as a child. I hope she continues to write and to live a great life. I'm going to look for her other book now!
October 3, 2018
I read KRW's first two books and had high expectations for this, her third book. I was not disappointed. Her honesty and advocacy are very refreshing and impactful. I'm grateful to her for continuing to share her journey.
February 22, 2019
Loved the vulnerability displayed in this book. I really connected over certain points and it helped me realize that I am normal and that what I go through is normal (or at least there is one other person who has gone through this in this world).
September 8, 2018
Good book. Fast easy read
December 28, 2018
Please read my review on Amazon. com. Thank you.
July 26, 2021
This book is about one woman’s struggle with binge eating and the impact it has on her health, marriage, and children. Anyone who has struggled with overeating will enjoy this book.
March 24, 2024
Excellent book. I received some very good insight from it.
July 14, 2024
Honestly bad, not a great outlook on body image and eating disorders. Meh
June 25, 2019
The author is very candid about her life journey. Her struggle with overeating is something I can identify with - this feeling of never being satiated no matter how much food you cram down your throat. Weight loss surgery isn’t for everyone and it might seem like a sign of weakness to resort to surgical means for a problem that can be addressed naturally, through healthy eating and exercise. However, some people are too tightly gripped by their disorder to break away from the addiction, even if it’s killing them. They need help, tools that will aid them in developing healthier habits that will serve them for the rest of their lives. I am glad the author was able to recognise that something had to shift, not just physically but also psychologically, so she could move past the emotional baggage holding her back and from leading a truly active life with her family.
May 28, 2018
This was a very good book about the author’s struggles with her weight and food. She was very forthcoming. The book kept my attention the whole time. It was a quick read, I finished it in about 1.5-2 hours. I would have like the ending to go into more detail.
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews