Have Our Attempts to Curb Obesity Done More Harm Than Good?

Abstract

Dieting is a common method for weight loss, maintenance, and prevention of weight gain, but the harmful outcomes of dieting are understudied. Dieting is typically advised for obese patients for the sake of their health, though this does not account for the many complicated factors surrounding obesity. We conducted a search through the PubMed database on obesity, dieting, and eating disorders and did not limit the study by population or year. We found studies showing that although dieting may cause short-term weight loss, it is associated with weight gain in the long-term. We also found studies assessing the negative psychological and physical outcomes of dieting. Though there are many studies that emphasize the negative psychological impact of dieting, few studies have explored how dieting may contribute to the development of eating disorders in the obese. Studies on the physical impact of dieting were less conclusive but warrant further study. While it is difficult to draw any substantial conclusions from the data, our results showed that dieting may carry more risks than benefits as a means to lose weight.

Keywords: anorexia nervosa; competent eating; dieting; eating disorders; obesity.

Figure 1. Prevalence of eating disorders by da Luz et al.

da Luz et al. [24]

Figure 2. Diagnosis of anorexia nervosa by weight according to Lebow et al.

Lebow et al. [25]