What is Chronic Dieting?
Chronic dieting, also known as yo-yo dieting, has become so normalized that many people don’t even recognize the need to question it. So what is it? We could define dieting as any number of behaviors that are used to control weight– usually this done in the form of reducing calorie intake and increasing physical exercise. While these behaviors are not inherently risky, what can be concerning is when we attach our sense of worth on expected outcomes from these behaviors. A mindset informed by dieting might sound like:
"I was ‘good’ today because I ate clean."
"If I eat something unhealthy, I might as well give up for the day."
"Skipping meals will help me make up for eating too much.”
“If I don’t lose this weight, it means I’m not disciplined enough.”
“I can’t stop thinking about food throughout the day”
“I ate too much today, if I don’t burn these calories, it wasn’t a good day.”
Over time, these thoughts reinforce negative self-beliefs, often leading to guilt, shame, and frustration—without delivering the promised results.
Blood Sugar Instability: Repeated cycles of dieting can disrupt glucose control, increasing the risk of metabolic issues. Studies suggest that maintaining a stable weight is better for blood sugar regulation than frequent weight fluctuations.
Digestive Struggles: Under-eating, a common outcome of dieting, can lead to gastrointestinal distress like stomach pain, diarrhea, or constipation as the body tries to adjust in inadequate intake. (Source)
Emotional and Mental Strain: Dieting can often lead to persistent feelings of shame, guilt and low self esteem. (Source)
Lack of Long Term Results: Dieting often does not lead to sustained weight loss. An analysis of 29 weight loss studies found that after 5 years, participants regained 77% of the weight they lost. (Source)
Letting go of dieting doesn’t mean giving up on health—it means embracing a more sustainable, weight-neutral approach that supports your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
If you're ready to move beyond the dieting mindset and explore a more balanced, nourishing approach to food, I invite you to connect with a weight-neutral dietitian. Contact me today to learn how you can improve your health—without restrictive dieting.
