Book review: Accidentally Overweight by Dr. Libby Weaver

Don’t let the title fool you—Accidentally Overweight is not just a book about weight loss. While it does explain what needs to happen in the body to access and burn fat, the real focus is much broader. Dr. Libby takes a deep dive into the many interconnected systems in the body that influence our overall health and wellbeing.

The book takes a truly holistic approach, exploring how factors like biochemistry, hormones, nutrition, hydration, liver function, the nervous system, and emotional health all affect how our bodies function. Dr. Libby presents this complex information in a clear, compassionate, and relatable way—empowering readers to understand how their bodies work, rather than offering a set of rigid weight-loss rules.

Each chapter is broken down into short, focused sections covering key areas such as stress, sleep, hydration, and hormonal balance. This makes it easy to digest and refer back to. Many of the insights are particularly relevant to the conditions we support—especially the information on nervous system regulation and the effects of stress on both body and mind. There are also practical suggestions throughout for how to support the body’s natural balance in realistic and manageable ways.

At the end of each chapter, you’ll find several pages of bullet-pointed summaries—highlighting key takeaways and simple tips that are easy to put into practice.

I highly recommend Accidentally Overweight for anyone wanting to better understand the multiple physical and emotional factors that influence weight, energy, and long-term health. It’s an empowering read that encourages curiosity, self-awareness, and informed choices.

By Saya