Are we getting healthier, or are corporations just getting richer? A closer look at the shady alliance between food giants and the “anti-diet” movement.

Listen, we’re tired of the yo-yo. The rollercoaster of restriction, guilt, binges, and shame – all in the name of some unattainable body ideal. The “anti-diet” movement seemed like a breath of fresh air, a way to escape diet culture’s toxic grip. But something’s not sitting right. As obesity rates keep going up, is it just a coincidence that Big Food and some dietitians are suddenly preaching body positivity? Let’s break this down.

Big Food Wants You to Feel Good (About Buying Their Junk)

Corporations aren’t your friends. Their goal is profit, not your health. So, when the same giants pushing sugary cereals and ultra-processed snacks suddenly switch their tune to “all bodies are beautiful,” it’s time to ask questions.

They’ve figured out that guilt isn’t a great long-term sales strategy. The anti-diet language gives us permission to indulge,shifting the blame away from their products and onto our supposed lack of willpower. Win-win for them, not so much for us.

Dietitians: Caught in the Crossfire

Not all dietitians are on board with this. Many are fighting the good fight, emphasizing whole foods and balanced eating.But it’s getting harder to cut through the noise. Big Food sponsors conferences, funds studies, and showers social media influencers with cash and freebies.

The truth is, some dietitians have built entire brands on the anti-diet message. Telling people to ignore calorie counts and eat intuitively plays well online, but does it actually lead to better health outcomes in the long run? The jury’s still out.

The Dangers of the Anti-Diet Echo Chamber

While well-intentioned, the focus on body acceptance can sometimes go too far. Shaming people for wanting to lose weight or improve their eating habits becomes just another form of food policing. This can make it scary to seek help if you’re genuinely struggling with an unhealthy relationship with food.

The problem is, true wellness isn’t just about how you feel about your body; it’s about how your body feels. Ignoring the very real health risks associated with obesity in the name of positivity isn’t helping anyone.

Where Do We Go From Here?

It’s time for some real talk. We can fight fatphobia and celebrate body diversity and acknowledge that our current food environment is making us sick.

Here’s the deal:

• Trust your instincts: If something sounds too good to be true (“Eat unlimited snacks and never gain weight!”), it probably is.
• Seek balanced information: Find healthcare professionals who focus on whole-person wellness, not just weight loss.
• Demand better: Call out corporations for their shady tactics and support policies that promote access to healthy, affordable food.