International No Diet Day

On May 6, people celebrate International No Diet Day. Its purpose is to teach people to love their bodies, fitting well within the popular body positivity movement.

History

The first No Diet Day was held in 1992, started by Mary Evans Young. She suffered greatly from bullying due to her weight and, as a result, turned to strict diets, which eventually led to anorexia.

After overcoming her illness, Mary helped others appreciate their bodies. Initially, the holiday was only planned in the UK, but Mary later expanded it internationally.

Originally, a different date was chosen, but American authorities expressed concern that it coincided with the Cinco de Mayo celebration. For Mary, the date wasn’t crucial, and she agreed to change it. May 6 was selected, which also coincidentally happened to be Mary Evans’s birthday.

Interesting Facts

If you choose to join the holiday, you can celebrate by indulging in something delicious. What do the experts say?

1. Doctors argue that diets can be harmful, as they may deprive the body of essential nutrients.
2. Diets often provide only short-term results. The body undergoes stress, and after the diet, it craves more food.
3. It is healthier and more effective to eat a balanced diet (avoiding excessive sweets, high-calorie sauces, and fast food), not to overeat, and to eat in smaller portions.

When is International No Diet Day in 2025?

International No Diet Day is observed on May 6 each year.

Observations