Remuda Ranch Celebrates International No Diet Day

Millions of Americans have tried dieting and have ultimately failed. Diets do not work because they are unsustainable and bring about feelings of guilt. In order to increase awareness of the pitfalls of dieting, Remuda Ranch, the nation's leading eating disorders treatment center, celebrates International No Diet Day on May 6, 2011.

"Every day we see the devastating consequences of eating disorders that started innocently with a diet," said Dena Cabrera, PsyD, director of educational outreach at Remuda Ranch. "Diets don't work. The $50 billion diet industry confirms this truth. We have seen firsthand not only the medical compromise brought on by a quest to lose weight, but also the mental health issues that individuals suffer because of diets."

Research shows that 89 percent of women want to lose weight and 60 percent are on a diet at any given time. Men of all ages are also affected by our weight conscious society and are subject to the thin images projected by many media outlets.

"An innocent quest to lose extra weight by dieting can result in anxiety, depression, and low self esteem," adds Cabrera. "Because people often engage in drastic behaviors to diet, many times personalities are altered, energy is compromised, and health is neglected."

Cabrera reports real changes needed for success are all about improving lifestyle habits in ways that will last. This means making gradual changes toward active living, moderation, balance and variety in eating, relieving stress and letting weight come off as a result of changed habits. The weight will stay off because of lifestyle changes and one's metabolism will support the change.

"As a society, we need to embrace diverse shapes and sizes in all individuals," said Cabrera. "We currently have a narrow definition of beauty and health. By using these idealized standards of beauty, we are missing out on a majority of people who are beautiful, healthy and well. Other parameters besides weight, shape, and size need to be used to define health and beauty."

Remuda Ranch offers inpatient and residential programs for individuals with eating disorders, OCD and related issues. A multi-disciplinary team including a psychiatric and a primary care provider, registered dietitian, master's level therapist, psychologist and registered nurse treats each patient.