The dangers of the ‘new year, new me’ diet and weight stigma

Every new year, the media is flooded with ads for sports and weight loss programs that promise to make you healthier. But scientific evidence suggests that dieting may actually cause physical and psychological harm,

Overhead view of young Asian woman using fitness plan mobile app on smartphone Source: Getty

While people typically lose five to 10 percent of their initial weight in the first six months of their diet, research shows most of them regain it all -- and sometimes more -- within two to five years.

That can cause them to get stuck in the diet cycle, which in turn can lead to metabolic changes.

That's why more and more healthcare professionals are pushing for a weight-neutral approach to well-being.

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