Beware of Diets That Do Significant Harm

Recent research sheds light on the psychological and interpersonal harmful consequences of the "yo-yo dieting" phenomenon. This cycle of weight loss and regain, deeply rooted in the culture of quick diets and trendy eating plans, reveals effects far more damaging than mere weight fluctuations.


The study, conducted by researchers at the North Carolina State University, explored the experiences of 36 adults who have undergone this weight variation cycle, losing and regaining more than 11 pounds (5 kilograms). Far from being motivated by health concerns, these individuals embarked on diets mainly under social pressure, influenced by beauty standards conveyed by celebrities and their social circles.

The weight loss strategies adopted by the participants led to an initial weight loss, followed by an inevitable regain. This weight regain often engendered in them a feeling of shame and an internalization of weight-related stigma, exacerbating their distress. Many participants reported falling into disordered eating behaviors, such as compulsive snacking or severe caloric restriction, leading to an obsession with their weight and diverting their attention from precious moments with family or friends.

This vicious cycle, described by some as an addiction, shows how difficult it is to break free from these toxic thought patterns and societal expectations. However, those who managed to detach from these behaviors adopted an approach focused on health rather than weight, favoring a varied diet and physical exercise for pleasure.

This research highlights the importance of questioning the diet culture and promoting healthy eating behaviors, free from constraints of monitoring and control. It calls for a collective awareness of the dangers of yo-yo dieting, inviting a prioritization of well-being and overall health over fleeting aesthetic standards.