International No Diet Day: A Scientific Perspective

International No Diet Day (INDD), observed annually on May 6, is a global initiative that promotes body positivity, challenges weight stigma, and encourages critical thinking about diet culture. First established in 1992 by British feminist Mary Evans Young, INDD has become a platform for raising awareness about the harmful effects of chronic dieting and the societal pressures related to body image. 

Scientific evidence increasingly shows that restrictive dieting is often ineffective for long-term weight management and can have negative consequences for both physical and mental health. Chronic dieting is associated with weight cycling (yo-yo dieting), nutrient deficiencies, disordered eating patterns, and psychological effects such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, restrictive diets may alter metabolic function and increase stress hormone levels, further undermining health outcomes. 

INDD emphasizes the importance of sustainable and health-promoting behaviors, including balanced nutrition, physical activity for well-being, and improved body image. It also highlights the need for healthcare and public health approaches that are free from weight bias and appearance-based discrimination. 

In sum, International No Diet Day serves as a timely reminder to promote evidence-based, inclusive, and compassionate approaches to health and nutrition.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Geeta Appannah

Associate Professor

Department of Nutrition

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Universiti Putra Malaysia

Date of Input: 06/05/2025 | Updated: 06/05/2025 | nadia_rahman