"Overweight" Bodies, Real and Imagined

Reviewed by Ugochukwu Uzoeghelu, Adjunct Professor, Massachusetts Bay Community College on 5/29/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The book might benefit from exploring the broader social and media landscape impacting body image, including social media trends, advertising, and the beauty industry. While critiquing societal pressures, the book may also benefit from a balanced approach by acknowledging potential health concerns associated with excess weight.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The content is accurate, unbiased and error-free.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The book's relevance could be enhanced by incorporating current examples of social and media portrayals that influence body image. Including case studies or discussions on navigating body image issues in daily life could increase relevance for students.

Clarity rating: 4

The book might benefit from explanations of specific scientific terms or concepts, especially if the target audience has limited scientific background. Incorporating visuals like charts, diagrams, or relevant images can enhance clarity and understanding of complex topics.

Consistency rating: 5

The text is internally consistent in terms of terminology and framework. The book's consistent use of a two-pronged approach (scientific data and critical analysis) provides a clear framework for student learning.

Modularity rating: 5

The clear separation of scientific data and critical analysis sections makes the book modular to some extent. Instructors can choose to focus on one section or the other depending on their lesson plans.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The book's separation of scientific data and critical analysis provides a clear, two-part structure for organizing information. However, strategically placing headings, subheadings, and bullet points can act as signposts, guiding readers through the flow of information.

Interface rating: 4

The book's presentation style could benefit from incorporating visuals like charts, diagrams, or images to represent complex data or concepts. Using clear fonts, headings, and bullet points can improve readability and information flow.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The text contains no grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The book's focus on critiquing social stereotypes opens the door to promoting culturally sensitive language and perspectives on body weight and health.

Comments

Sarah Gilleman's "Overweight" Bodies, Real and Imagined," serves as a unique and valuable resource for students approaching the often-complex topics of body weight, nutrition, and movement. This open educational resource (OER) transcends a purely informational approach.

Beyond the Basics: While the book provides scientific data on health, weight, and related issues, its strength lies in its critical perspective. Gilleman encourages students to critically analyze how social stereotypes and media portrayals shape our understanding of bodies and what constitutes "healthy."

Deeper Than "Overweight": The title itself challenges readers to move beyond simplistic labels like "overweight." The book delves into the complexities of weight management, public health considerations, and individual well-being. This critical lens empowers students to form a more nuanced understanding of these issues.

Accessibility as an OER: The open educational resource format makes the book readily available to students, potentially reducing financial barriers to accessing course materials.

Overall, "Overweight" Bodies, Real and Imagined" offers a refreshing and thought-provoking approach to weight, health, and body image. By encouraging critical thinking alongside the presentation of scientific data, the book empowers students to navigate these complex topics with a deeper understanding.