All that to say, dieting and intentional weight loss attempts are super common.
If theprogram prescribes food restrictionsor rigid food rules, its probably a diet.
One of the most concerning aspects of this is that dieting may increase the risk of developing aneating disorder.
What is an eating disorder?
Eating disorders are serious mental health disorders characterized by severedisordered eating behaviorsand emotional distress.
The disordered eating behaviors are often a means of coping with difficult emotions.
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With most eating disorders, theres also an overvaluation of weight and shape.
(Although lets be clear, theyre notlifestyle choices; theyre serious mental health illnesses.)
Dieting fosters an unhealthy relationship with food that could set the stage for an eating disorder.
They often also entail eliminating certain foods or entire food groups.
Plus, theres usually some kind of labeling of foodsexplicitly or subtlyas good and bad or healthy and unhealthy.
So, dont underestimate the harms of restrictive eating behaviors; they can cause real issues.
Plus, all the restriction that comes with dieting increases the likelihood of binge eating.
A classic example is sticking to a diet on weekdays and having planned cheat days on the weekend.
Dieting is linked with body dissatisfaction
Most diets are rooted in weight loss.
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In fact, intentional weight loss attempts are often linked with body dissatisfaction, per a 2022 study inNutrients2.
Dieting perpetuates the idea that we should be constantly trying to shrink our bodies.
Diets also foster an obsession with body weight and shape.
They perpetuate the idea that one punch in of body is superior to another.
Similar body-checking behaviors are seen in eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa.
Yet, it can be oh-so worth it.
Embrace the value of all foods and know thatfood is more than its nutritional composition.
This can be easier said than done, which brings us to the next tip.
They can support you in your journey away from dieting and toward a positive relationship with food.
As a result, its one of the biggest risk factors for developing an eating disorder.
Stice, Eric et al.
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