In her book "Hunger," Roxane Gay addresses the societal perceptions surrounding overweight individuals, emphasizing that their bodies are often subjected to public scrutiny. She highlights how being overweight turns one's body into a topic of discussion and judgment, with onlookers creating narratives that may not reflect the individual's reality. This external judgment overshadows the personal truth that each person holds about their body.

Gay's exploration reveals the challenges and emotional impact of living in a body that is constantly evaluated by others. The assumptions made by society about overweight individuals can perpetuate stigma and diminish their self-worth, overshadowing their unique experiences and struggles. Through her writing, she calls attention to the need for compassion and understanding, urging society to look beyond superficial judgments.