Fat Talk by Virginia Sole-Smith is a must-read for anyone navigating the complex relationship between children, body image, and diet culture. The author takes a deep dive into how society’s obsession with weight affects kids from a young age, challenging parents to rethink the way we talk about bodies. Sole-Smith’s writing is insightful and accessible, blending research with real-life stories to illustrate the impact of diet culture on children’s self-esteem and health. She provides practical advice for parents on how to foster a positive body image and break the cycle of harmful messaging. The book encourages readers to shift the focus from weight to well-being, emphasizing the importance of raising kids who feel comfortable in their own skin. Overall, Fat Talk is an empowering read that offers a compassionate, science-backed approach to nurturing a healthier body image for the next generation.

One of the best and most important books I have ever read. I highly recommend for absolutely any parent, teacher or coach.

This was the most important book I’ve read this year. I am not a parent but think it’s an important read for everyone especially those that interact with kids. I appreciated the candid conversations and many parents, kids, and others interviewed for this book.

Kudos to Virginia for reading her own audiobook—I always love and truly appreciate when authors are able to read their own books (though I understand there are many reasons why many aren’t able to).

I did wish that this book spent a bit more time discussing solutions and conversations with kids. There definitely is good advice that is summarized at the end of the book but I think even more examples and ideas would be helpful. I think it can be challenging to sort out how to truly dismantle our internalized fat bias and how to have conversations that go against everything that society demonstrates to us but it is both somewhat anxiety producing and so critical.

It was a bit too triggering for me at this moment in my life. 

I found this book really helpful but at the same time it brought up a lot of internal feelings that I’m still dealing with in my own journey of acceptance and unlearning anti-fat bias. The chapter on how dads affect their daughters was quite intense for me especially.