Westfield Woman Documents Lifelong Weight Struggles in New Book

Diana Worden Karmin was sitting on a beach at the Jersey Shore in 2012 when her husband suggested she write a book documenting her weight loss, which at the time was more than 130 pounds. As Karmin began to follow his advice, her life-long eating disorder reemerged, she gained 30 pounds and her book took a new direction.

“Escaping From Food Coma - The Literal Ups and Downs of Life with an Eating Disorder,” is a mixture of advice, stories and encouragement about battling an eating disorder and fluctuating weight. Karmin was 263 pounds at age 52, but managed to go from a size 22 to a 2.

She says at the end of the first chapter, “My failing health aside, vanity is what finally kicked in. Deadly sin or not, it might have saved my life.” Today, she says she is healthier and happier size 8.

Karmin said she wanted to put this story out there so that others with eating disorders know that they are not alone.

“Overweight people are not lazy or stupid and should certainly not be ridiculed,” she explained. “To paraphrase Plato, they are fighting a hard battle each and every day and it can be exhausting both physically and mentally.”

The book features soul-baring stories of Karmin’s struggles along with a dose of humor and sarcasm.

She attributes finishing the book to her biggest supporters, her husband, Alan and friend, Liz.

“I would still be floundering if it weren't for them,” she said.

Karmin lives in Westfield with her husband, Alan, his two adult children and their Miniature Schnauzer. She lived in Summit for 20 years where she raised her two children. 

The book is available on Amazon.com or by visiting www.dianawordenkarmin.com.