"Overweight" Bodies, Real and Imagined [Revised Edition]

Reviewed by Katy Williams, NTT Lecturer, Dietetic Internship Director, Central Washington University on 1/28/26

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

I appreciate that this book was comprehensive yet succinct. It does a good job covering this topic while focusing on quality over quantity in terms of the amount of information presented. I see this text being easily accessible and utilized by students given the appropriate length and depth of information. It's an enjoyable read and includes short videos that add to the depth and information presented.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The book provides accurate nutrition and health information and cites it's claims. The information is up to date with current medical and nutrition recommendations. Thus this text will be particularly relevant to future dietitians working in the field of healthcare (or other nutrition related settings).

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

I found that this book will be particularly relevant for nutrition students who will eventually work as registered dietitians. In the field of nutrition and dietetics and healthcare, topics including weight management, obesity, health at every size and recognizing personal weight bias are finally getting the attention that they deserve. Sadly, while these topics are receiving more attention, the overall teaching resources and materials are lagging so it is nice to have this resource become available. I appreciated the "empathy map" although would have liked this to be more inclusive vs. "family doctors" I also appreciated the participant interviews which I plan on discussing with students.

Clarity rating: 3

I appreciate the easily accessible language this book provides. The case study section seemed a little out of place and lengthy, I think I would have liked this portion to be abbreviated.

Consistency rating: 5

The book appears consistent and up to date with resources and references and current medical terms.

Modularity rating: 5

This book does a great job breaking down the information into shorter sections.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

I do feel like the case study seems little out of place with the rest of the text, I would have liked this to be more inclusive to include other healthcare providers vs. primarily focus on primary care providers.

Interface rating: 3

Some of the images "inluences" are a bit text heavy and hard to read on my standard size computer screen. Perhaps a way to increase/magnify some of the image sizes could have been helpful.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammar errors identified with the exception that "dietitian" is spelled with a "t" not at "c".

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

This book is culturally sensitive. I appreciated the photos that the authors incorporated showing people in larger bodies.

This book can be a valuable resource for dietetics undergraduate/graduate/supervised practice students to increase awareness and comfort in working with patients and clients in larger bodies. It does a good job challenging previous thoughts around obesity and weight management and in turn will support students well when working in community and healthcare settings.

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.

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.