Customer Reviews

The Body Myth: Adult Women and the Pressure to be Perfect

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Thank you for writing this book! I have struggled with compulsive eating (although I would not call it that, this book does) for most of my life.

In the 1980s, feminist Robin Morgan called the power and provenance derived from men, and based on the ability to attract men/smaller body size, "abstract power" -- as opposed to "real power", the power derived from a woman's being physically strong and able to provide for herself.

While there are flaws to that theory, I see it in practice. Every single day, even at my job. And I work in the medical public relations field. A field where those guys could and should know better!

Yes, big news!?! This sexist, size-ist garbage does not diminish with advancing age. I spent, off and on, only a tiny fraction of my life at a normative size (including now, this time for the longest stretch ever). By virtue of large bone structure, I am a size 12 (spent part of my young adulthood in a size 44 dress). I practice moderate calorie restriction and exercise vigorously about five times a week to maintain this size. I haven't yet internalized anything long enough to be able to comport myself wisely and supremely unselfconciously at a buffet in Atlantic City, for instance.

Thank you, Dr. Maine and Mr. Kelly. You have the spirit of Everest-scaling mountaineers as I have never before seen in such authors on this topic!! As a result of reading your book, I feel that I have only twenty minutes' worth of Knowledge. And not the kind of "knowledge" you get from a Weight Watchers meeting (or any other bunch of self-righteous diet dweebs who think they alone have the right answer).

I am 51 years old. I am looking forward to your sequel and to seeing this book become a best-seller especially among us baby boomers.

Ever looked in the mirror and been unhappy with what you saw? Odds are, if you're female, you have. Ever since Twiggy came on the scene, it's been common knowledge that the worship of unhealthily underweight celebrities and models in our society is leading to a self-esteem crisis among our teenage girls. But this book is the first real resource for adult women on this topic. Ms. Maine explains the reasons behind the body image crisis in our culture and offers adult women a new, more accepting way to look at the female form. I learned about the effects of the family's expectations on women's perception of themselves, as well as the science behind female nutrition--what a woman's body really needs. I recommend this book because it's relevant to all women, and because it shows that a healthy woman, not a malnourished woman, is truly beautiful.

This is one of the best books on eating disorders/body issues I have ever read. It is one of the few books that really "understands" what it's like for women to struggle with body/eating issues.

What makes this book especially unique is that it is geared towards adults. Most books on this topic focus on teenagers and at the oldest, college students. This book addresses the unique experiences and perspectives of adult women and their struggles. The book is more then just information - it offers a great deal of food for thought and thinking/writing activities to help women overcome their issues.

The book not only expresses a true understanding about eating disorders, but it offers the reader much opportunity for insight, change and hope through the words and exercises.

This book is at the top of my recommendation book for anyone dealing with eating/body issues and those that want to understand why women struggle.

If you or a loved one have an eating disorder or weight issue, this is the book for you. If you don't, but you suffer from Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) or another form of crushing insecurity about your appearance which is unrelated to weight, you may wish to look at some of the other titles on the subject. While Ms. Maine does a nice job of describing the root causes (media, culture, etc.) of women loathing their own bodies, and makes an excellent case for a pro-women revolt of some sort, the classic title on that subject, "the Beauty Myth," by Naomi Wolf, goes into much greater depth on the subject. Either one, however, would be a great book to share with any unsympathetic men in your life, but the Beauty Myth is much more comprehensive.

As far as the practical suggestions in the Body Myth, again, if you have eating or weight issues, I think this book may help you. But if your concerns are on specific body parts, aging, or anything unrelated to weight and eating, keep shopping.

This book very clearly and concisely explains why women in society are increasingly pressurised by the media to conform to a very narrow definition of feminine beauty. It is well-written and has excellent advice on how to counter the messages a woman is not considered a woman unless she is white, heterosexual and middle-class. The book does not blame women for feeling insecure but holds the media and society responsible. The authors argue that women are in fact diverse and they all come in different shapes, sizes and ethnicities. It is positive and includes some cases studies. This book is different in that it focuses on adult and mature women. Highly recommended and well worth the purchase price.

"The Body Myth" written by clinical psychologist Margo Maine and Joe Kelly is a ground-breaking must-read for today's woman struggling to comply with the perfectionistic one-size-fits-all body image currently in vogue. Challenging that image as unrealistic and damaging, the authors provide information and inspiration along with exercises at the end of each chapter which serve as powerful tools to help free women from the dangerous addiction to striving for thinness. Jane Pailas-Kimball, Ph.D., psychotherapist

What a tremendous book. All of us with mothers, wives, daughters and friends who are female need to read this book. This is a revealing glimpse into the world of body image that all women inhabit. Buy it, read it, give it to your wife or daughter,and talk to them about it.

This is one of the best books written on body image for women (and I've read many). Body images issues are not just the domain of teenagers and young adults. Margo Maine's book explains how and why women who seem to "have it all", can still be incredibly miserable in their bodies. Add to this mix life events, including menopause, and it can be the tipping point into an eating disorder. It's hard to be an Intuitive Eater when you are at war with your body--this book explains how to get reconnected to the only body you will have for the rest of your life.

this book was a wonderful eye opener. I felt understood. I am a recovering anorexic, and I found so many points in this book speaking to me. A must read for any women with doubt about appearance, self image, or anyone trying to recover from an eating disorder. You are not alone.

My daughter is a dietician and uses this book in her practice. She does a lot of research before gets anything and she gave this book high marks.