So why exactly doesn't she just lose weight?

[The Book Crusader]

Let me start by saying that whomever wrote this summary is full of shit, because this: Self-proclaimed fat girl Willowdean Dickson (dubbed “Dumplin’” by her former beauty queen mom) has always been at home in her own skin.—could not be further from the truth. I lost track of how many times Willow either put down other people or herself in the first 50 pages alone.

But more importantly, what exactly is stopping her from losing weight? I only got a fifth of the way in before I had to take the book back to the library, but from what I read: there is zero indication that she has any sort of medical condition that makes it impossible for her to lose weight; her mother provides her with healthy food (which she tosses in the trash); and Willow knows first hand, via her aunt Lucy, of the dangers and health complications that come with being obese.

With all these factors working for her, you'd think that she'd put the tiniest smidgen of effort into weight loss, instead of internally complaining to herself that she's afraid to kiss her crush because she's worried he'll touch her back fat.

[Cassie]

I read the book months ago - but I think the question you're asking would have been answered if you finished the book.

I don't believe Willow was at a weight where her health was significantly threatened, therefore I don't think she needed to lose weight due to a life or death situation. The dangers she fears connected to her aunt's death haunt her in another way - that's not entirely weight related. Throwing away the health food is Willow's frustration with her mother for wanting to change her. She feels like her mother is forcing her into looking a certain way, and becoming a part of a lifestyle she doesn't want.

Willow was happy with the way things were until she kissed her crush. She started looking at herself through another lens, as a physical being. I think like every high schooler, she was dealing with insecurities about her looks and largely attributed them to her weight. She was worried she wasn't good enough for him, and was worried what people would say.

While Willow does put down other people, including herself, the book ultimately ends on a higher note. Willow learns to accept herself and be proud and happy with the way she looks. She's a beautiful girl. She also learns that she was quick to judge other people on their looks as well. It's human nature to judge and form opinions about other people based off their looks.

The take away message is to accept yourself, not to change yourself. I think the author managed to do that in a realistic way. The book was not about losing weight to be happy. If Willow had lost weight, she'd still have the same problems. Losing weight was besides the point.