In her book "Hunger," Roxane Gay reflects on the societal perceptions surrounding weight and thinness. She discusses how being thin can be viewed as a form of social currency, impacting how individuals are treated and perceived in various social situations. This realization emphasizes the deep-rooted values placed on body image and how they influence self-worth and social status.

Gay's insight highlights the pressure many face to conform to societal standards of beauty, which can have significant psychological effects. The concept of thinness as social currency illustrates how weight can determine acceptance and desirability, shaping relationships and experiences in everyday life.