Book Club: Fat Talk: Parenting in the Age of Diet Culture by Virginia Sole-Smith
What you’ll learn:
In Fat Talk, Virginia Sole-Smith unpacks the pervasive influence of diet culture on children and families, providing parents with a toolkit to navigate the complexities of body image and weight stigma. With a blend of personal stories, expert interviews, and evidence-based research, Sole-Smith explores how diet culture infiltrates our homes, schools, and healthcare systems—and what we can do to protect the next generation.
The book delves into the impact of fatphobia, the roots of weight stigma, and the importance of raising kids with a healthy, body-positive mindset. Expect to come away with a clearer understanding of how to challenge societal norms and foster an environment where all bodies are respected and celebrated.
Why it matters:
Fat Talk goes beyond statistics and studies—it’s a deeply compassionate call to action for parents, caregivers, and anyone invested in creating a healthier world for kids. Sole-Smith’s approachable and empathetic tone makes readers feel seen and supported as they confront their own biases and fears around weight and body image.
The book reminds us that we have the power to rewrite the narrative for future generations. It’s not about raising “perfect” kids but about creating a space where they can develop a positive relationship with food, movement, and their bodies—on their own terms.
What you can do:
Sole-Smith doesn’t just highlight the problems; she offers practical, actionable steps to help you support your kids—and yourself—through the maze of diet culture. Here are three takeaways you can start implementing today:
Speak Kindly About Bodies: Model body-positive language by avoiding comments about weight—your own or others’. Instead, focus on what bodies can do and how they feel.
Ditch the "Good" and "Bad" Food Labels: Teach kids to view food as neutral, emphasising balance and enjoyment rather than restriction or guilt.
Advocate for Change: Challenge weight-biased practices in schools and healthcare settings. Advocate for policies and programs that prioritise overall well-being rather than weight control.
Fat Talk is an essential read for anyone who wants to break free from the grips of diet culture and create a healthier, more inclusive future for the next generation. Virginia Sole-Smith’s thoughtful and empowering words offer both a mirror and a map, encouraging readers to reflect on their own experiences and take meaningful action.
If you’re ready to transform the way you think about weight and body image—and help your kids do the same—this book belongs on your shelf.
Morgan x
