“There is a constant amount of weight in the world. If one person loses weight, another must gain it. If somebody dies, an appropriate number of babies are born. Do not stand too close to a person who is losing weight. That fat is just looming, looking for a person to inhabit.”

“...what has the weight of evidence to one person does not necessarily have the weight of evidence to another.”

“This person mourns the fact that she has ruined her one chance to be loved by everyone; as this person climbs into bed, the weight of this tragedy seems to bear down upon this person’s chest. And it is a comforting weight, almost human in heft. This person sighs. This person’s eyes begin to close, this person sleeps.”

“You never know what another person stands to gain or lose by anything”

“But the overwhelming number of mothers who think they have too little milk have babies who are taking plenty of milk and are gaining weight well. These mothers have based their conclusions on misinformation or a misinterpretation of their babies' behavior.”

“The thought of gaining weight was all she needed to lose her appetite completely. Not that Jessica – a model-slim, perfect size-six – ever had to worry about her weight.”