International No Diet Day is on 6th May 2024. This day was created in 1992 by Mary Evans Young, a British feminist who wanted to raise awareness about the dangers of dieting and promote body acceptance. It is now accepted and celebrated in many countries around the world.
The aim of International No Diet Day is to encourage people to embrace their bodies. The day also aims to raise awareness about the negative effects of dieting, such as eating disorders, low self-esteem, and body dissatisfaction.
On this day, various organisations motivate people to focus on self-care and self-love instead of dieting. International No Diet Day reminds us that all bodies are beautiful and worthy of respect.
International No Diet Day (INDD) 2024 Date
International No Diet Day is celebrated on May 6th every year. This year, we will celebrate this day on Saturday.
You should note that this day is different from International Size Acceptance Day and Love Your Body Day celebrated by International Size Acceptance Association (ISAA) and National Organization for Women (NOW) respectively.
The symbol of this day is a light blue ribbon. It promotes the concept of “Health At Any Size”.
| Year | Day | Date |
| 2024 | Monday | May 6 |
| 2025 | Tuesday | May 6 |
| 2026 | Wednesday | May 6 |
| 2027 | Thursday | May 6 |
More details about World Athletics Day
Objectives of International No Diet Day
The major goals of International No Diet Day are as follows.
- Never accept that there is a single “perfect” body type.
- Increase public awareness about fatphobia, size bias, and weight discrimination.
- Create a day free from diets and weight-related compulsions.
- Spread information about the diet industry and emphasise the ineffectiveness of commercial diets.
- Respect those who have suffered from eating disorders and weight loss surgery.
- Help put an end to sizeism, fatphobia, and weight discrimination.
History of International No Diet Day
Mary Evans Young established International No Diet Day in 1992. She is the director of a British group “Diet Breakers”. She decided to encourage people to value their bodies after undergoing anorexia nervosa herself.
Originally, International No Diet Day was intended to be a UK-based National No Diet Day. Only 12 women participated in the first event by wearing stickers saying “Ditch That Diet”. However, this day quickly became popular and feminists in many more countries joined to celebrate this day. To avoid a date clash with the “Cinco de Mayo”, Young changed the date of this day from May 5th to May 6th.
Check Important Days in Month of May
Activities and Ways to Celebrate International No Diet Day
This day is all about embracing body positivity and rejecting the diet culture. Here are some different ways to celebrate INDD.
- Have a non-diet meal: Instead of counting calories or restricting certain foods, enjoy a meal that makes you happy. This can be a meal that you love or one that you have been wanting to try. Remember, there are no “good” or “bad” foods, and all foods can fit into a healthy diet.
- Practice self-care: Take some time to do something that makes you feel good about yourself. This can be anything from taking a bubble bath to going for a walk in nature. The important thing is to focus on taking care of yourself and your mental health.
- Learn about body positivity: Take some time to learn about body positivity and the movement to promote body acceptance. There are many resources available online, including blogs, podcasts, and social media accounts that focus on this topic.
- Spread the word: Share your knowledge about International No Diet Day with others. Use social media to spread the message and encourage others to celebrate this important day. Remember, everyone deserves to feel good about their body, no matter what their size or shape.
Criticism of International No Diet Day
The celebration of this day received criticism from the Institute of Medicine’s Committee to Develop Criteria for Evaluating the Outcomes of Approaches to Prevent and Treat Obesity.
The committee said, “It is inappropriate to argue that obese individuals should simply accept their body weight and not attempt to reduce it”. They emphasised that obesity can increase the risk of developing other medical conditions and diseases.
5 Myths about Dieting
Here are some myths about dieting that we all should try to debunk.
| Myths | Facts |
| Skipping meals can help you lose weight faster. | Skipping meals can slow down your metabolism, making it harder to lose weight. It is important to eat regular, balanced meals to keep your metabolism functioning properly. |
| Carbohydrates are bad for you and should be avoided. | Carbohydrates are energy sources for your body. It is important to choose the right carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. We should avoid sugary snacks and processed foods. |
| Fat-free or low-fat foods are always healthy. | Fat-free or low-fat foods often contain added sugars and other unhealthy ingredients to make up for the lack of fat. It is important to read labels and choose natural products |
| Detox diets can help you lose weight. | There is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of detox diets. Your body has its own natural detoxification system which you can support by eating a healthy and balanced diet. |
Frequently Asked Questions
On 6th May 2024.
Mary Evans Young
A light blue ribbon.
William Banting.
Whatever diet-related information we have given in this post is taken from various sources on the internet. We advise you to consult your doctor before following any tips.
