In Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale," the regime enforces strict control over women's bodies and their appearances. The quote reflects the extreme measures taken to maintain a certain standard of body image, where gaining weight is seen as a violation of societal norms. This harsh reality illustrates the oppressive nature of a society that prioritizes physical conformity over personal well-being.

The reference to being placed in solitary confinement for gaining weight highlights the lengths to which the authorities will go to regulate women's lives. It underscores the theme of surveillance and punishment present in the dystopian world Atwood creates, where even minor deviations from expected behavior can lead to significant repercussions, reinforcing the idea of totalitarian control over individual identity and autonomy.