The Weighty Body

The Weighty Body reflects on the fascinating relation mankind has with its appearance. The main theme of the book is the history of “hungering”. Why do people decide to stop eating? Do they have personal or aesthetical motives, religious ones or economical? When can one talk about an abnormal relationship with his or her body? Are we the boss of our own body nowadays? The book goes on to discuss disorders such as anorexia and bulimia through history and in different cultures. Through exhibitions and books, The Museum Dr. Guislain aims to put the focus on important psychiatric problems and put them in a broader social and cultural context.

Text in English, Dutch and French.