The Correlation of Fad Diets and Eating Disorders

Abstract

Is there a correlation between fad diets and eating disorders? Fad diets are popular societal trends that promote eating styles that promise results in weight loss at an expedited rate and extraordinary health benefits through dietary and lifestyle changes via various methods. Eating disorders are commonly known for their association with unhealthy eating habits due to psychological aspects. Due to the nature of fad diets being unsustainable, strict, and limiting in certain facets, the aim of this project is to explore literature that opposes or supports whether fad diets and eating disorders are related. The method being utilized is a literature synthesis. The search strategies included words like “correlation”, “linked”, “associated with”, “and”, and “related” within the Volpe library search engine, Google scholar and Google search engine. Research acknowledges that there is a correlation between certain fad diets and eating disorders, but the limiting factors include the type of fad diet, the diagnosis of which eating disorder, and whether these variables affect individuals positively or negatively for long-term. The correlation seems to favor the idea that certain risks associated with fad dieting can impact individuals who might already have precursors for negative eating behaviors and habits. Future research should address a direct correlation of all fad diets and all eating disorders. In conclusion, fad diets and eating disorders may be correlated but may not be heavily supported due to gaps in research and limited information available on the direct correlation of the factors.