Dangers of Chronic dieting

Chronic dieting is camouflaged as a path to great wellness and health. It actually erodes our health and well-being by contributing to physical problems such as high blood pressure, nutrient deficiency, a slowed metabolism and psychological problems.” Kepha Nyanumba Nutritionist AAR Healthcare Ltd

There is no doubt that dieting is ingrained in our culture. It seems like almost everyone has been on a diet at some point in their life. Chronic dieting involves dieting over a period of years with the goal of achieving or maintaining a certain weight or body type. The chronic dieter is always chasing a number on a scale with the thought that once they get there, they can finally relax and enjoy their life. Understanding the difference between a healthy lifestyle and chronic dieting is critical to laying down the shield and picking up your life.

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF CHRONIC DIETING?

Most people don’t understand the health consequences of chronic dieting that is always camouflaged as a path to great wellness and health. It actually erodes our health and well being by contributing to physical problems such as high blood pressure, nutrient deficiency, a slowed metabolism and psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. Some diets restrict certain nutrients such as carbohydrates or complete food groups, such as dairy. When you aren’t eating well-balanced meals, you are likely missing some essential nutrients that can lead to deficiencies and disease. The problem with fad diets is that they will most likely last just as long as it took you to lose the weight. Instead of losing weight gradually over time and being able to maintain the weight loss, these short-lived diets will actually end up costing you more than you bargained for. Because of their quick-fix results, many people unfortunately get caught up in the cycle of dieting for a specific event, gaining the weight back, and then trying a new fad the next time. To lose weight and keep it off, you must break the cycle of chronic dieting and focus on making healthy lifestyle choices. Losing just 5 percent to 10 percent of your current weight can lead to health benefits.

CHRONIC DIETING AND EATING DISORDERS

Chronic dieting is associated with eating disorders that commonly coexist with other conditions, such as anxiety disorders, substance abuse and depression. Eating disorders describe illnesses that are characterized by irregular eating habits and severe distress or concern about body weight or shape. There are a number of different eating disorders; all of them are life-altering and pose a risk, to say the least. The three most common types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.

THE PATH TO RECOVERY

The solution to chronic dieting is to start looking at health and weight from a lifestyle perspective. We’re always looking to extremes, quick fixes and magic pills, but all of these are just part of the modern stress cycle. If you want to change your health, you have to choose to stop buying into this system of deprivation dieting and chronic stress, and find a different approach that supports your long-term health and wellness.