Throughout her twenties, Veronica's life in California, US, revolved solely around strict dieting. She isolated herself at home, declining all party invitations to avoid food temptations. Whenever she indulged in a favorite food, guilt overwhelmed her. Cravings often led to overeating, which in turn resulted in even stricter discipline. Her obsession with weight left her no mental space for her career or relationships.
Veronica's story exemplifies a victim of "diet culture." According to Professor Dawn Clifford, from Northern Arizona University, US, this is a flawed belief system that dictates a person's worth by their body measurements. It labels foods, induces shame, and marginalizes those who do not conform to the "thin is beautiful" standard.
Expert Christy Harrison, author of The Wellness Trap, likens this culture to a "mosquito" that drains energy and joy from life. Here are 8 reasons why you should consider abandoning this obsession.
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Weight loss exercise. Photo: Pexels |
Promotes false stereotypes
Science has proven that one's health cannot be solely judged by weight. This metric is complexly influenced by genetics, medical conditions, or medications, not simply by eating more or less. Judging health based on appearance only deepens false stereotypes.
Steals life experiences
Many postpone joy with thoughts like: "When I lose 5 kg, I'll go to the beach" or "I'll attend the class reunion only after I'm thin." This mindset halts present life and steals valuable experiences, all for a soulless number on the scale.
Causes excessive food anxiety
Extremist labeling of food as "healthy" or "toxic" turns every meal into a psychological battle. The stress of suppressing cravings can sometimes be more detrimental to health than the food itself. The key to nutrition is balance, not absolute abstinence.
Turns consumers into "prey"
The food industry constantly launches new trends, exploiting the fear of gaining weight for profit. Supermarket shelves are filled with products labeled "high protein" and "low fat" at high prices, even though daily meals already provide sufficient nutrients.
Easily gives up when weight plateaus
If the sole motivation for exercise is to change body shape, you will easily become discouraged when your weight doesn't decrease. This leads to completely abandoning exercise, wasting other significant benefits of physical activity such as improved cardiovascular health, sleep, and mood.
Views exercise as punishment
The mindset of "having to run to burn off that bowl of pho just eaten" transforms exercise into a tiring form of self-punishment. Instead, choose a sport you enjoy to relieve stress and appreciate your body's flexibility.
Uselessly expensive
The weight loss industry reaps huge profits from customer failures. When weight returns (which often happens after restrictive dieting), consumers continue to spend money on diet pills, teas, detox programs... advertised with edited "before-and-after" images.
Makes conversations bland
At gatherings, instead of sharing about work, emotions, or ideas, many people incessantly talk about their current diet (Keto, low-carb, or intermittent fasting). The topic of weight overshadows deeper connections, making human relationships superficial.
Nhat Minh (According to Psychology Today)
