This was raw, real, and relatable! I loved Clark’s authentic writing style, and it made reading her book easy. I know the subject matter, and it was like I was discussing food, weight loss, diets, drugs, and lifestyle with a bestie. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

For what it is, "Fat Bitch" is a solid book for folks considering using GLP-1 medication to treat obesity. It is written by a non-medical professional, a fact which is clearly disclosed, but it is well referenced and the information contained lines up with the advice I've been given by my dietician, GP and psychologist. The real strength of the book is that it emphasises all the things you need to do beyond just taking the medication (e.g. therapy, exercise, diet), such that the advice in the book is solid regardless of whether you're using the meds. The early chapters do read like the converted spruiking a miracle cure. This partly comes from it's existence as a direct pushback against the "willpower myth" and particularly the book "Skinny Bitch". The book does acknowledge the side effects and the fact that it doesn't work for everyone (I'm personally amongst the non-responder population). Overall it's an easily accessible intro which directs you to discuss your situation with your medical provider in all the right places, it gives sensible advice, and it has a healthy body-positive and affirming vibe. Well done Cat Clark!
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.

Fat Birch - Killing the Willpower Myth by Cat Clark

I'm brilliant at losing weight , done it loads of times and by several stone . The problem is getting going and once done , keeping the pesky lbs ( ok stones ) off !
I could really relate to this book , it could have been me that wrote it ( why didn't I ? )
Reading it was like sitting down with your friend and having a heart to heart with them . Loved it .
Will also add it will be great to re read when you are finding it tough going .

Get past the vernacular to benefit from Cat Clark's sound advice. This author is not only smart, she is compassionate. Not to be weird, I grew to think of her as a spitfire friend! She is passionate about helping others navigate this new promising means of healing our guts and our minds. Compassion & body composition are first and foremost in our adventures with GLP-1's. It's not all about weight loss, its about how we feel and the steps to feeling better in your skin and about yourself. And for those of you who love to hate those of us embracing new science before obesity related conditions takes us down and out, why don't you use a bit of 'willpower' and watch and learn. Perhaps try a (bitter) pill for that judginess.

Just about the perfect content here with the only exception that this book wasn’t available on September 1, 2025, when I started the journey with Tirzepatide!

That was when my American Express Platinum & I made yet another attempt at uncovering what “healthy” meant. Information was scarce. Judgement by others & medical myths/worst case scenarios were plentiful though.

This should be The GLP1 Virgin’s Handbook. The author, Cat Clark, should also be the one that received my consultation fee vs whoever reviewed my application at the online provider. Invest in this book no matter where you are in your weight loss/maintenance.

Since I don’t have any criticisms, let me highlight some sections that appealed to me & no better spot than surviving the 1st month.

I don’t know anyone that experiences the 1st month without some kind of oddity. Fatigue may be most common. I had absolutely no idea what was happening other than I needed to buckle in because I had a 3-month supply of this concoction. I’m thankful I didn’t turn back, but what a comfort these pages could have been.

The author endorses “No Secrets” when it comes to consulting your regular physician/physician assistant or nurse practioner even it is smooth sailing. Tell them you are using a GLP1 (unless they are the prescribing source/already aware). The author even provides talking points to make it less stressful. The goal is do no harm & only improve.

Bravo to the author’s detailed advice on emphasizing consistency vs. perfection. I believe this was related to participating in some kind of physical activity. While I didn’t feel up to it in the 1st month, it didn’t take long to bounce back to what I was already doing prior to Tirzepatide. It just made the weight loss & now maintenance precisely what the author recommended – Consistent.

For many of us, the GLP1s may not include an exit date. I appreciated the information about approaching goal weight, your maintenance & what it looks like with less vs more of yourself plus should you choose to remain on a dosage suited for you. I have done this.

Life happens though & again the author passes along information that I haven’t seen elsewhere. There could be a reason that you need to stop your GLP1. By this point in the book, I was beyond impressed. I’m long past child-bearing years nor in need of birth control. (I’m that Widow that won’t even let a male animal inside my house.)

But…GLP1s alter or decrease the effectiveness of certain birth control (That probably should be in capital letters). The author also goes into how/when/why you need to go off if you are approaching or considering a pregnancy plus post-pregnancy. Again, I just haven’t seen anyone else address this life-altering information other than Cat Clark!

The author’s conclusion is concise & to the point (like the entire read), but read the conclusion over a few times. It solidified my opinion that you need this book. Too many of us have had to listen to other’s endless negative attitudes about GLP1 usage.

These pages hold superb advice & experience that will engage the faithful jabber & put out the welcome mat for newcomers. You aren’t on your own anymore. Cat Clark brought you time-tested solutions plus much-needed understanding & some smiles along the pages.

I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author, Cat Clark, for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair & honest review.

This was such a great little book. So informative for those of us overweight women looking for some help losing weight. It was nice to read that it is not, in fact, our fault--that willpower is all a myth. I've tried Weight Watchers multiple times and have failed every single time, gaining the weight back and then some. I'm hoping GLP-1s will help, if I can get a prescription and have my insurance pay for it. Anyway, great book. Highly recommend.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.