International No Diet Day (INDD) is annually observed across the globe on May 6 to promote body positivity, self-acceptance, and the acceptance of all body shapes and sizes, as well as raise awareness about the dangers of dieting.
Ribbon: The symbol of International No Diet Day is a light blue ribbon.
Objectives:
i. The aim of INDD is to promote a healthier and more sustainable approach to health and well-being that focuses on self-love, body acceptance, and mental and emotional well-being.
ii. The day also aims to raise awareness of eating disorders, a major mental health problem that affects people of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Background:
i. International No Diet Day was created by Mary Evans Young, a British feminist and director of a British group called ‘Diet Breakers’, in 1992.
ii. The 1st ever INDD was observed in the United Kingdom (UK) in 1992.
Diet:
i. Diet is to regulate one’s food intake to improve physical health, particularly to lower obesity or what is conceived to be excess body fat.
ii. Dieting plans are based on the reduction of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins that constitute the major portions of food that a person eats (other than water) and that are necessary sources of energy.
iii. Benefits of Dieting:
- A healthy diet can improve and maintain health, which can include aspects of mental and physical health.
- It boosts immunity and lowers the risk of disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
Risks of Dieting:
i. Dieting rarely has positive results. Within one to five years, 95% of dieters regain their lost weight and more.
ii. Dieters often experience physical consequences such as thinning hair, loss of coordination, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, etc.
iii. Dieting also impacts the mind. When an individual restricts calories, energy will be restricted, which might restrict brainpower.
