Roxane Gay's book "Hunger" presents a critical view of society's idealization of thinness and the damaging implications it has on individuals, particularly women. She reflects on the profound effects of this belief, suggesting that it creates a narrative where people perceive their true selves as hidden beneath layers of fat, leading to feelings of illegitimacy and self-rejection.

This concept evokes a sense of deep frustration, as it perpetuates the idea that one's worth is tied to body size. Gay's exploration challenges readers to reconsider traditional standards of beauty and encourages embracing one's body in its entirety, rejecting the notion that one’s identity is diminished by their physical appearance.