"The Fat Girl" tenderly unfolds the journey of Louise, a young woman seeking self-acceptance and love amidst societal and familial pressures. Struggling with her weight from a young age, Louise encounters judgment from those closest to her. This narrative captures her internal battle with self-worth and identity, culminating in a life-changing revelation.

Early Struggles and Secret Indulgences

Growing up, Louise feels the sting of disapproval from friends and family due to her size. Her mother, in particular, urges her to watch her diet, inadvertently pushing Louise towards secretive eating habits. From a young age, she finds solace in stolen moments with forbidden treats like peanut butter and candy bars.

College Life and New Beginnings

Louise's tendency to binge persists into her college years, where she continues to eat in private. Her roommate, Carrie—who becomes her only friend—encourages her to break free from this pattern. As seniors, Carrie suggests Louise try dieting, prompting a significant change in Louise's lifestyle.

Transformation and Homecoming

Embracing a stringent diet, Louise sheds seventy pounds over the course of the year but finds herself perpetually hungry and increasingly irritable. Returning home for Christmas, her transformed appearance shocks her mother. This newfound thinness leads to a shopping spree for clothes that suit her slender frame.

A New Chapter and Marriage

After finishing college, Louise moves back to Louisiana and soon marries Richard, a young lawyer employed at her father's firm. She adopts the role of a housewife, preparing rich meals for Richard while abstaining herself. Their life together is marked by luxury, with a beautiful home, a boat, and vacations.

Discontent Behind the Comfort

Despite the material comforts surrounding her, Louise feels an underlying imbalance in her life. In the fifth year of their marriage, she becomes pregnant, and the fear of regaining weight looms large. Her attempt to confide in Richard about her past struggles is met with dismissal, deepening her sense of isolation.

The Return of Old Habits

During her pregnancy, Louise begins to indulge in snacks at social gatherings and the hearty meals she prepares for Richard. She even resorts to hiding candy from him. Post-birth, her eating habits continue, and Richard's critical remarks about her weight become more frequent, eroding their intimacy.

Marital Strain

As Richard's criticism intensifies, Louise finds herself estranged from him and their affluent lifestyle. When she weighs herself one night, she faces the harsh reality of her weight returning to 162 pounds. This realization coincides with Richard's diminishing interest and cruel behavior.

A Growing Rift

Over the summer, Louise withdraws from social activities like boating with Richard and friends, choosing instead to spend time with her young son. The couple's arguments become a daily occurrence, with Richard attributing them solely to her weight issues. For Louise, however, these conflicts symbolize deeper, unresolved issues in their relationship.

The Breaking Point

One evening, in a moment of frustration, Richard implores Louise to diet, even offering to match his meals to hers to facilitate her weight loss. Yet, Louise sees through his offer—recognizing it stems from embarrassment rather than genuine concern. This revelation marks a turning point in her perception of their marriage.

An Act of Defiance

Determined to confront the truth of her situation, Louise decides to eat a candy bar openly in front of Richard, fully aware of the potential repercussions. Despite expecting him to leave, she finds him still present when she returns downstairs. This moment signifies a significant shift within her, as she comes to terms with her reality.