The Religion of Thinness: Satisfying the Spiritual Hungers behind Women’s Obsession with Food and Weight
By Michelle Lelwica 
Published 2010 by Gürze Books

Eating problems are often hard to recognize, but many congregations have members who have a private struggle with food. Author Michelle Lelwica investigates the spiritual side of the quest for thinness in her new book, The Religion of Thinness. Arguing that thinness has become a religion of its own, complete with rituals, creeds and icons of thinness, Lelwica shows how this religion is devoid of spirituality. She highlights the cultural and religious triggers for eating problems while providing helpful practices to combat the secular faith that she refers to as “The Religion of Thinness.” Directed primarily toward women, Lelwica focuses on ways to combat the cultural influences that present thinness as the “ultimate purpose” of life.

Encouraging those with eating problems to address their spiritual side, she focuses on two approaches: mindfulness and cultural critique. Readers can learn how to address their unconscious thoughts and recognize the messages of thinness they see throughout media, culture and even those found in Christianity. For those struggling with anorexia, bulimia, distorted body image, compulsive eating or any other eating problem, these practices are designed to help them conquer the rituals of thinness and connect with their spiritual needs. Lelwica offers discussion questions throughout the book that are conducive to group studies and even encourages readers to create a community of friends that practice mindfulness and cultural criticism together. This book provides valuable practices and resources to bring peace and restoration to those struggling with eating problems and the chaplains, counselors and pastors who want to help them.

Read the interview with Michelle Lelwica>>

Buy the book>>

Rachel Thompson is the Managing Editor of HopeandHealing.org.

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