Breaking Free from Diet Culture: Why Real Change Matters

Let’s face it—diet culture has existed for centuries. As far back as the 16th century, diet books encouraged food restrictions, often taken to extremes. By the 19th century, society had developed rigid ideals of the "perfect body," leading to extreme fasting and exercise regimens. Many of us grew up watching our mothers, aunts, and grandparents navigate diet after diet, believing weight control was essential to health and happiness. Whether or not we realised it, these patterns shaped how we saw food, movement, and self-worth. Over time, this pressure ingrained body insecurities into generations because we look up to those around us and mirror their beliefs. The Pressure That Won’t Let Up Today, diet culture is everywhere. Social media constantly feeds us images and advice, telling us how much exercise we need, what to eat, what to avoid, and even when to eat. These messages create unrealistic expectations, leading many down a frustrating path of restriction, overexertion, an...