"Fat talk" refers to disparaging comments about body image and weight, and can include comments about weight, eating and exercise habits, fear of being overweight, appearance and behavior comparisons, or strategies to change appearance. 

Fat Talk

Parental modeling is predictive of body dissatisfaction and maladaptive eating behaviors in children. Specifically, by engaging in weight loss behaviors, parents may indirectly transmit messages that reinforce the importance of the thin ideal. 

Parental Modeling 

Parents may not be aware of the potentially detrimental influence of parental fat talk and modeling behavior on their children. Research even shows that fat talk, diet-endorsing behaviors, and negative weight-related conversations are somewhat viewed as "normative." Psychologists suggest that offering parents psychoeducation and training to encourage supportive weight-related conversations can help promote positive health behaviors in their children. 

Potential Treatment Framework for Child Disordered Eating

Negative communication about weight are common among families. Research suggests that parental fat talk and parental modeling are positively associated with disordered eating behaviors in children and child weight status. 

University of Illinois at Chicago

Alma College

Health Psychology research studies relating to eating habits and behaviors include:

- Parental Influence on Child Eating Behaviors and Weight 


Health Psychology Research Relating to Eating Habits and Behaviors

Lydecker, J. A., Riley, K. E., & Grilo, C. M. (2018). Associations of parents' self, child, and other “fat talk” with child eating behaviors and weight. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 51(6), 527-534.

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