Abstract
A review of the literature and research on food restriction indicates that inhibiting
food intake has consequences that may not have been anticipated by those attempting
such restriction. Starvation and self-imposed dieting appear to result in eating binges
once food is available and in psychological manifestations such as preoccupation with
food and eating, increased emotional responsiveness and dysphoria, and distractibility.
Caution is thus advisable in counseling clients to restrict their eating and diet
to lose weight, as the negative sequelae may outweigh the benefits of restraining
one's eating. Instead, healthful, balanced eating without specific food restrictions
should be recommended as a long-term strategy to avoid the perils of restrictive dieting.
J Am Diet Assoc. 1996; 96:589-592.
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© 1996 American Dietetic Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
