Help, not harm: Psychological foundation for a nondieting approach toward health

This article reviews the literature on the psychological consequences of di eting, In particular, the authors examine the impact of dieting on mood sel f-esteem, cognition, ann eating behavior. The famous Keys study of starvati on is discussed in relation to impaired concentration, food preoccupation, negative affect, and binge eating behavior. Overall, the literature indicat es that dieting has a negative impact on psychological well-being. As a res ult, alternative nondieting approaches toward eating are presented and reco mmended to promote psychological health.