Tag

Diet Culture

All articles tagged with #diet culture

Midlife Eating Disorders: The Hidden Crisis Termed 'Menorexia'
health3 days ago

Midlife Eating Disorders: The Hidden Crisis Termed 'Menorexia'

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 Weight Pills Bring Health Benefits—and Diet-Culture Concerns
health26 days ago

GLP-1 Weight Pills Bring Health Benefits—and Diet-Culture Concerns

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.

From Slop to Science: The Rise of Boy Kibble
culture3 months ago

From Slop to Science: The Rise of Boy Kibble

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.

Y2K Health Fads Return: Reasons to Avoid Them
health-and-wellness8 months ago

Y2K Health Fads Return: Reasons to Avoid Them

The article discusses the resurgence of outdated health fads from the early 2000s, such as low-carb diets, detox cleanses, and targeted fat loss routines, which are debunked by scientific research.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.

"Understanding Weight-Loss Medications and Fat Stigma in Obesity Research"
health2 years ago

"Understanding Weight-Loss Medications and Fat Stigma in Obesity Research"

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: Expert Analysis of Effectiveness and Risks"
health-and-wellness2 years ago

"The GOLO Diet: Expert Analysis of Effectiveness and Risks"

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.

"Combating Childhood Obesity: Prevention and Treatment Strategies"
health-and-wellness2 years ago

"Combating Childhood Obesity: Prevention and Treatment Strategies"

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.

"Mom Urges Avoiding Diet Talk When Buying Girl Scout Cookies"
lifestyle2 years ago

"Mom Urges Avoiding Diet Talk When Buying Girl Scout Cookies"

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.

"Rethinking Diets: The Lifelong Impact of Yo-Yo Dieting"
health-and-wellness2 years ago

"Rethinking Diets: The Lifelong Impact of Yo-Yo Dieting"

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.

"Revamp Your New Year's Resolutions with Expert Tips for Lasting Change"
health-and-wellness2 years ago

"Revamp Your New Year's Resolutions with Expert Tips for Lasting Change"

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.

"The Buzz Around Gut Health: What's the Hype About?"
health-and-wellness2 years ago

"The Buzz Around Gut Health: What's the Hype About?"

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.

WeightWatchers Introduces Exclusive Membership for Ozempic Users
health2 years ago

WeightWatchers Introduces Exclusive Membership for Ozempic Users

WeightWatchers has launched a new membership plan called the "WeightWatchers GLP-1 Program" for members taking GLP-1 prescription drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which are sometimes used for weight loss. The program offers access to doctors who can prescribe these medications, daily nutrition plans, insurance coordination, and other weight loss support programs. WeightWatchers' pivot away from a diet culture brand is driven by the increasing demand for weight loss medications. Analysts predict that these changes could generate $455 million in new revenue for WeightWatchers by 2025.

Oprah Opens Up About Using Weight-Loss Medication
lifestyle2 years ago

Oprah Opens Up About Using Weight-Loss Medication

Oprah Winfrey revealed in an interview with People Magazine that she is taking a weight loss medication to manage her weight. She expressed relief at the existence of medically approved prescriptions for weight management and stated that she no longer wants to be shamed for her weight. The announcement comes as demand for weight loss drugs has increased, challenging conventional notions of willpower and stigma. Winfrey's public journey with weight loss mirrors national conversations about diet culture and the body-positivity movement. She has joined many others in turning to weight management medications, and her decision is seen as a way to shape her own narrative and combat criticism.

Navigating Thanksgiving: Balancing Indulgence, Food Anxiety, and Supporting Kids with Eating Disorders
health-and-wellness2 years ago

Navigating Thanksgiving: Balancing Indulgence, Food Anxiety, and Supporting Kids with Eating Disorders

While indulging in a holiday meal like Thanksgiving is not a major health concern, registered dietitian Amanda Holtzer warns against unhealthy behaviors such as restricting food or demonizing certain foods. These behaviors can fuel disordered eating and negatively impact one's relationship with food. Holtzer recommends eating a high protein breakfast and lunch or a snack before the big meal to avoid overeating. Additionally, comments about another person's body or the food on their plate should be avoided, as they can have a negative impact. It is important to shift away from diet culture and focus on a healthy relationship with food.