Researchers from the University of North Carolina have highlighted how cyclical weight changes driven by strict dieting followed by overeating can negatively affect mental health. The findings, shared in Qualitative Health Research (QHR), emphasize the emotional and psychological toll of dieting patterns and the social pressures that fuel them.
In this investigation, 36 adults, including 13 men and 23 women, were invited to reflect on their physical and mental well-being. Participants had previously experienced weight fluctuations and reported losing and regaining more than 11 kilos. The study notes a common motivation: the desire to shed pounds due to social stigma, along with comparisons to celebrities or peers, which intensified dieting behaviors and the emotional burden attached to body image.
Stigma refers to the formation of negative judgments about a person or group based on perceived physical, psychological, or intellectual traits. This context helps explain why many individuals embark on weight loss efforts not primarily for health gains but to conform to social expectations and avoid judgment.
Consequently, many participants found that weight regain after strict dieting amplified feelings of shame and reinforced stigma surrounding larger body sizes. This emotional landscape often led to a cycle where individuals felt worse after dieting, yet the distress themselves motivated further attempts to lose weight, perpetuating the cycle rather than improving health outcomes.
Such eating patterns frequently manifest as emotional eating, restrictive practices directed at certain foods, heightened stress, and excessive exercise. These behaviors align with common concerns around eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and orthorexia, illustrating how psychological pressure and social messaging can shape a person’s relationship with food.
The study reinforces the idea that trendy diet narratives, especially those focused on fruit and vegetable emphasis, can carry practical downsides for long-term health and well-being. It invites a broader conversation about how weight management strategies intersect with mental health, social norms, and personal autonomy, urging practitioners and policymakers to consider the psychological costs alongside physical outcomes. [Citation: Qualitative Health Research]