All articles tagged with #diet culture
As cyclospora cases rise in the U.S., social media jokes about illness as a quick path to weight loss reveal how entrenched diet culture can trivialize illness and trigger concerns for those with eating disorders; experts warn such humor normalizes unhealthy pursuits and harms health messaging.
As cyclospora outbreaks spread in the U.S., social media jokes about losing weight from the infection reveal how diet culture and fat-phobia normalize illness-driven thinness. Experts warn such humor can trigger eating disorders and undermine health, urging a shift toward well-being and offering resources for support.
Slate’s Mallary Tenore Tarpley examines a Cyclospora outbreak-driven trend where social-media users jokingly or earnestly pursue illness to slim down. She argues the “diarrhea diet” reveals how diet culture valorizes thinness, even at the cost of health, while experts warn that diarrhea mostly causes temporary water loss, not fat loss. The piece weaves in her own history with eating disorders and calls readers to name and resist the normalization of illness as a shortcut to weight loss.
A HuffPost feature highlights that millions in the U.S. will develop an eating disorder at some point in their life, with midlife cases—coined as “menorexia”—often going undiagnosed due to ageist assumptions and a focus on younger sufferers. Experts note midlife disorders share the same diagnostic criteria as younger cases but are triggered by menopause, life transitions, chronic illness, body changes, and pervasive diet culture. The piece underscores the research gap, calls for specialized and virtual treatment options, support networks, and cautions against weight-centric medical messaging that can worsen symptoms.
GLP-1 medications, now available as weight‑loss pills, can improve metabolic and cardiovascular health, but their rising visibility risks normalizing the thin ideal and potentially triggering disordered eating; experts emphasize careful screening, multidisciplinary treatment, and that these drugs are not a cure for eating disorders, with long-term effects still largely unknown and resources like NEDA available.
After a colonoscopy found benign polyps, food creator Patrick Kong adopted a batch-cooked, macro-focused diet he calls “boy kibble,” a lean, efficient alternative to the internet’s “girl dinner.” The trend—men using protein-forward, calorie-controlled meals to hit fitness goals—is analyzed as a gendered reframing of dieting, reflecting broader cultural conversations about masculinity, nutrition, and optimization, and gaining traction online as fitness influencers shape how meals are prepared and consumed.
The article discusses the resurgence of outdated health fads from the early 2000s, such as low-carb diets, detox cleanses, and targeted fat loss routines, which are debunked by scientific research. It highlights how these myths persist due to cultural and social influences, especially on social media, despite their lack of effectiveness and potential harm. Experts recommend focusing on sustainable, healthy habits like regular exercise, balanced eating, and mental well-being, emphasizing that health and weight are not synonymous.
The article discusses common diet culture phrases that promote guilt and shame around food, and highlights the principles of anti-diet dietitians who promote a holistic, inclusive, and non-judgmental approach to nutrition, emphasizing that all foods can fit into a healthy lifestyle without moral judgment or shame.
The hype around weight-loss drugs like Ozempic perpetuates fat stigma and fat phobia, reinforcing the focus on weight over health. While these drugs may show promising results in studies, they don't work the same for everyone, and the long-term effects and side effects are still uncertain. Obesity is a complex issue with multifaceted determinants, and a weight-centered approach may miss the broader health and social implications. Ultimately, drugs like Ozempic are tools that need to be applied ethically and mindfully, considering the diverse and complex nature of obesity.
The GOLO Diet, while claiming to eliminate starvation dieting, is restrictive and unsustainable, potentially putting the body into a fight or flight mode and denying it essential nutrients. The diet requires purchasing a proprietary supplement with unregulated claims. Instead of quick-fix diets, experts recommend relearning intuitive eating, focusing on body's needs, and avoiding restrictive food lists. They caution against conflating weight with health and advise consulting a doctor for symptoms GOLO claims to cure.
In the "Chasing Life" podcast, Dr. Sanjay Gupta discusses the rising rates of childhood obesity and disordered eating among teens with pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Jack Yanovski. They explore the causes, consequences, and treatment options for high body weight in kids, including weight loss medications for children as young as 12. Content creator Tyler Bender shares her experiences with weight, diet culture, and restrictive eating habits, shedding light on the challenges of navigating conversations about healthy habits and self-acceptance for kids and their parents.
A mom's Instagram post advising people to avoid discussing diets and calories when buying Girl Scout cookies has sparked a debate. The mom, an advocate for disordered eating recovery, is concerned about the impact of such conversations on young girls' relationship with food. Experts warn that labeling food as good or bad can lead to disordered eating behaviors, especially in vulnerable populations like young girls. The mom suggests a simple "no thank you" when declining to buy cookies, emphasizing the importance of promoting a neutral perspective on food and body image.
A new study highlights the negative effects of yo-yo dieting, emphasizing the difficulty of escaping the cycle and recommending that most people avoid dieting unless it is medically necessary. The research, based on in-depth interviews with adults who experienced weight cycling, reveals that societal pressure and toxic diet culture often lead individuals to engage in unsustainable weight-loss strategies, resulting in shame, body dissatisfaction, and unhappiness. The study suggests that weight cycling can cause real harm and can lead to a lifelong struggle with weight for many people.
Experts in psychology and nutrition suggest that giving up the diet mentality and offering oneself compassion may be the best way to approach New Year's dietary resolutions, as diets are ineffective in the long term and can lead to disordered eating. Instead of focusing on restriction, it's recommended to make small, enjoyable changes to improve nutrition, such as adding more fruits and vegetables in various ways. Rejecting guilt and restriction around food can benefit mental and physical health, as well as our relationships and community.
Brands are capitalizing on the trend of promoting gut health products, often tied to diet culture and weight loss, through social media ads and sponsored content. The emphasis on digestive discomfort and bodily functions has become pervasive, with some brands using explicit language and imagery to sell their products. While it's important to raise awareness about digestive conditions, the current marketing approach may be more about profit than genuine concern for consumers' well-being.