Dieting Do’s Not Don’ts
Our weight-obsessed culture has caused many people to believe that they would be just that much better off if they were to trim off a few pounds of fat. Often, those who diet are well within an acceptable range for body weight; some are even underweight and dieting. A 1995 national health survey www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00049859.htm of college students found 46.4% were attempting weight loss at the time of the survey. The same study found only 20.5% of college students were overweight, yet 41.4% believed themselves to be overweight. The medical literature reveals more than two-thirds of high school girls are dieting and that restrictive eating behaviors are seeping into the lives of children as young as third grade.
Think twice before you make the choice to pursue weight loss. Just because the fashion industry now makes a size zero dress doesn’t mean many people should come healthfully close to fitting into it! Do what is right for the health of your body without falling prey to the perils of trying to achieve someone else’s unrealistic and unhealthy numbers. Before deciding on a diet, speak with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian (RD) for a professional perspective on a healthy weight for you.
For individuals who do need to lose weight for improved health, a refocus on lifetime weight management and avoidance of the “quick-fix” approach will result in the best long-term success. Here are some tips:
