Mindy Kaling's book highlights the struggles of an actress who sacrifices her health and body image for a role designed to be endearing. This character, portrayed as a light-hearted and relatable figure, makes comments about indulging in desserts like cheesecake. However, her dramatic weight loss is evident, contrasting her dialogue about enjoying food with her emaciated appearance. This irony underscores the unrealistic expectations placed on women in the entertainment industry.

The actress's situation exemplifies the broader cultural issues of body shaming and the pressures to conform to specific beauty standards. Kaling critiques how society often glamorizes unhealthy behaviors, leading to a conflicting message where the character looks unhealthy despite her playful assertions about food. The juxtaposition serves as a commentary on the detrimental impact of these portrayals in media, especially on women's self-perception and acceptance.