When Girls Feel Fat: Helping Girls Through Adolescence

Jane Heath teaches psychology at Ryerson Polytechnical University in
Toronto.

The author’s experience as a teacher and therapist is reflected in the
breadth and clarity of material she provides on the challenges of
“growing up female in a male world.” Basic issues of gender, the
effects of cultural and interpersonal (family and peer) pressures on
girls’ sense of self, and their feelings about physical maturation are
described, as are the processes by which the various pressures on girls
can lead to an encoding of emotional issues in a “language of fat.”

Friedman provides exercises (focused on fostering self-awareness,
communication skills, and self-esteem) that parents or mentors can use
to counteract the negative influences of our competitive culture. An
extensive resource section lists related books the reader might wish to
consult, as well as videos and eating-disorder programs that might be of
interest.

This valuable practical resource is clearly written, well organized,
and replete with useful information and insights.