Obesity and the Misuse of Extreme Dieting: A Global Health Dilemma

Obesity, once considered a problem only in high-income countries, has now become a global epidemic. As the prevalence of obesity rises, so does the public obsession with quick fixes—especially extreme dieting. While some diets offer short-term weight loss, many contribute to long-term metabolic damage, disordered eating, and psychological stress.

This article explores the complex relationship between obesity and the misuse of extreme diets, highlighting how both phenomena fuel each other in a vicious cycle. It also uncovers the dangers of diet culture, misinformation, and the need for public health interventions rooted in balance and evidence-based approaches.

Global Overview of Obesity

Obesity is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. It is typically measured by Body Mass Index (BMI), where a BMI over 30 is classified as obese.

📈 Current Statistics

According to the WHO Global Health Observatory (2023):

• More than 1 billion people globally are obese—650 million adults, 340 million adolescents, and 39 million children.

• The global obesity rate has nearly tripled since 1975.

• In the UK, 28% of adults are obese; in the US, the figure rises to 42%.

• Obesity-related illnesses, including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers, account for 4.7 million premature deaths annually.

🌍 Obesity Across Regions

Region	Obesity Prevalence (2023)
North America	41.9%
Europe	28.2%
Southeast Asia	6.2%
Middle East	35.1%
Oceania	34.7%

Source: Global Burden of Disease Study, 2023 (IHME)

Causes of Obesity

The causes of obesity are multifactorial, involving biological, behavioral, environmental, and socio-economic elements:

1. Caloric Imbalance

Increased intake of energy-dense foods high in fat and sugar, combined with reduced physical activity, is the most direct cause.

2. Genetics

Some individuals are genetically predisposed to weight gain due to variations in metabolism, appetite regulation, and fat storage.

3. Urbanization & Sedentary Lifestyle

Modern environments discourage movement and promote convenience—cars, elevators, screens, and processed food.

4. Socioeconomic Factors

Low-income groups face:

• Limited access to healthy food

• Marketing of cheap ultra-processed products

• Fewer opportunities for physical exercise

5. Psychological Triggers

Stress, trauma, depression, and emotional eating are significant yet often neglected contributors.

The Rise of Diet Culture

As obesity rates rise, public pressure to lose weight becomes stronger. Influenced by social media, influencers, and unqualified “health coaches,” millions resort to radical dieting methods that promise dramatic results—often without scientific backing.

📉 Popular Extreme Diets

• Keto (very low-carb)

• Carnivore diet (zero carb)

• Juice cleanse/detox

• Very low-calorie diets (VLCDs)

• Intermittent fasting (18–24 hours)

• Military diet (under 1,000 kcal/day)

While some of these methods can initiate weight loss, their misuse can lead to nutritional deficiencies, metabolic slowdown, and even eating disorders.

The Dangers of Extreme Dieting

1. Nutritional Deficiency

Restrictive diets often eliminate major food groups (like carbohydrates or fats), leading to deficiencies in:

• Iron

• B12

• Calcium

• Essential fatty acids

2. Muscle Wasting

Rapid weight loss often causes muscle loss, not just fat. This reduces basal metabolic rate (BMR), making it harder to maintain weight loss.

3. Yo-Yo Effect

Extreme diets lead to short-term loss, followed by rapid regain—often more than the initial weight. This phenomenon, called weight cycling, is linked to:

• Cardiovascular risk

• Gallbladder disease

• Psychological distress

4. Mental Health Impact

According to the Global Mental Health and Nutrition Survey (2023):

• People on extreme diets are 2.8x more likely to experience anxiety and depression.

• Body dissatisfaction increases by 37% after failed weight-loss attempts.

Obesity and Eating Disorders: The Overlooked Connection

Contrary to stereotypes, eating disorders like binge eating disorder (BED) and bulimia often occur in people who are overweight or obese. The cycle typically follows this pattern:

Restriction → Craving → Binge → Guilt → Restriction Again

This cycle is intensified by extreme diets, leading to emotional eating, body shame, and poor self-worth.

Influence of Media and Misinformation

The International Federation of Dietetic Associations (IFDA) warns that over 70% of diet advice circulating online lacks scientific credibility. Social media promotes:

• “Before and after” photos

• Dubious weight-loss supplements

• #WhatIEatInADay trends with unbalanced meals

• Promotion of eating under 1,200 kcal/day as “normal”

These messages normalize disordered eating while stigmatizing those with larger bodies.

Governmental and Institutional Responses

UK Initiatives:

• NHS Digital Weight Management Program (2022): Offers 12-week plans for patients with BMI over 30.

• Sugar Tax (Soft Drinks Industry Levy) introduced in 2018 to reduce sugary drink consumption.

• New restrictions on junk food advertising to children, effective 2024.

Global Efforts:

• WHO REPLACE Initiative to eliminate trans fats globally.

• UNICEF School Nutrition Programs to provide balanced meals in developing countries.

• OECD Healthy Living Toolkit for member states, promoting food literacy and activity.

Solutions and Sustainable Approaches

1. Balanced Nutrition Education

Promoting moderation over restriction, based on diverse food groups and portion awareness, not demonization.

2. Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) are proven methods for:

• Body image issues

• Food addiction

• Emotional eating

3. Physical Activity Culture

Encouraging joyful movement, not just calorie-burning, with community programs and inclusive fitness.

4. Ban Diet Misinformation

International calls are rising for social media regulation of unverified health claims, including influencers promoting detoxes and fat burners.

5. Health at Every Size (HAES)

A paradigm that promotes body diversity, intuitive eating, and weight-neutral care—already adopted by many practitioners worldwide.

Case Study: A Teenager's Diet Disaster

Name: Amira, 16
Country: United Kingdom

Amira was bullied in school for her weight. She started following a TikTok “liquid diet” challenge consuming under 800 kcal/day. She lost 10 kg in two months but soon experienced:

• Hair loss

• Menstrual irregularity

• Low mood and fatigue

She was later diagnosed with atypical anorexia—her BMI remained “normal,” but her health was in crisis.

“No one told me health wasn’t just about numbers.”

Cultural and Societal Considerations

In many cultures, weight is linked to social status, desirability, or health beliefs. In some, thinness is idealized; in others, larger bodies are associated with prosperity.

Public health strategies must account for:

• Cultural sensitivity

• Community voices

• Gender norms (e.g., diet pressure is disproportionately placed on women)

Obesity Prevention: A Public Health Priority

The World Bank (2022) estimates that:

Every $1 invested in obesity prevention yields $6 in healthcare savings and productivity gains.

Prevention includes:

• Clear food labeling

• Urban design that promotes walking and cycling

• Affordable healthy food access

• School-based physical activity programs

Conclusion

Obesity and extreme dieting are not opposite ends of a spectrum—they are entangled responses to a global health system that often fails to support long-term, holistic wellness.

The misuse of radical diets highlights the urgency of moving beyond weight-centric solutions and focusing on health behavior change, education, and mental resilience.

By shifting away from quick fixes toward sustainable health practices rooted in science, compassion, and equity, we can reduce both obesity rates and the harm caused by diet culture.

The goal should never be thinness at any cost—but rather, health at every size, dignity in every body, and empowerment in every choice.

📚 References: Books and Official Statistics

1. World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Global Health Observatory: Obesity and Overweight Data. Geneva: WHO Press.

2. Global Burden of Disease Study. (2023). Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). University of Washington.

3. OECD. (2023). Obesity Update: Global Trends and Policy Responses. Paris: OECD Publishing.

4. NHS Digital. (2022). Digital Weight Management Programme Evaluation. Leeds: NHS Digital.

5. UNICEF. (2021). State of the World’s Children: Nutrition, for Every Child. New York: United Nations Children’s Fund.

6. World Bank. (2022). Investing in Obesity Prevention: Economic Case Studies. Washington, D.C.: World Bank Group.

7. International Federation of Dietetic Associations (IFDA). (2023). Global Review on Diet Trends and Misinformation. Geneva: IFDA.

8. Mental Health Foundation. (2023). The Psychological Effects of Body Image and Dieting. London: MHF Press.

9. British Nutrition Foundation. (2023). Understanding Extreme Dieting and Weight Cycling. London: BNF.

10. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2022). Guidelines on Obesity Management and Nutrition. London: NICE Publications.