"The Hidden Dangers of 'Medically Unnecessary' Diets: A Lifelong Struggle"

A new study warns that diets not medically necessary can lead to harmful weight cycling, causing long-lasting negative effects such as shame, body dissatisfaction, and stress. Participants reported feeling pressured to diet for societal standards, leading to disordered weight-management behaviors and extreme dieting. Breaking the cycle involved adopting healthy eating habits, but societal expectations and weight stigma made it difficult. The study emphasizes the need to avoid unnecessary dieting to prevent a lifelong struggle with weight.