Today, May 6, is one of The Meadows Ranch’ favorite days – it’s “International No Diet Day.” It is a day to celebrate because it is dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle and body acceptance. This day also raises awareness of the potential dangers of eating disorders and diets.

Many eating disorders begin with individuals who are overweight, or perceive themselves to be overweight, and are striving to get healthy by dieting. While there are diets prescribed for medical reasons, such as those for diabetics, most people relate the term ‘diet’ to a short-term, highly restrictive program designed for maximum weight loss in the shortest timeframe.

Most people are familiar with Anorexia and Bulimia; however, there are a few others forms of eating disorders as well. Eating disorders are conditions defined by abnormal eating habits that may involve either insufficient or excessive food intake to the detriment of an individual’s physical and mental health.

There are many causes of eating disorders, including biological, psychological and/or environmental abnormalities. Many people with eating disorders suffer also from body dysmorphic disorder, altering the way a person sees himself or herself. There are also many other possibilities such as environmental, social and interpersonal issues that could promote and sustain these illnesses.