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Third of dieters ashamed to tell anyone, study claims

'We have to be able to discuss this word if we are to properly address the current obesity crisis'

Monday 03 June 2019 18:11 BST
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New research suggests one-third of dieters are ashamed to tell people about it
New research suggests one-third of dieters are ashamed to tell people about it

One-third of adults who have dieted told no one about it because they were “ashamed”, a new study claims.

Researchers found many of those who have changed their diet were worried about failing publicly, while others were embarrassed to be dieting in the first place.

Similarly, the study suggested a third of respondents would rather diet alone than do it jointly with someone else.

Four in 10 said they rarely or never discuss their eating habits with their friends, colleagues or partner.

The research of 2,000 adults found 69 percent of the population have been on a diet at some point in their lives, however the “shame” of dieting combined with a lack of support were often cited as the reasons for healthy eating plans failing.

“Diet shouldn’t be a dirty word – no one should feel ashamed of changing their food intake to achieve their desired goals as long as the diet contains proper nutrition and their goals are appropriate for them,” said nutritionist Mark Gilbert.

“The fact is most people go on a diet at some point to lose weight. So, we have to be able to discuss this word if we are to properly address the current obesity crisis.”

Many of those polled described being fed up with perpetually dieting and feeling like they’re not getting anywhere.

Forty percent said they are “constantly” on a cycle of eating healthily, eating unhealthily and eating healthily again ad infinitum.

But for many, a lack of appealing food options – or, more specifically, the plentiful selection of indulgent “bad” food and drink - often puts an end to their diet.

Cake, pizza, and fish and chips are the dishes respondents said were most likely to cause them to quit a diet.

SWNS

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