International No Diet Day
International No Diet Day is an annual celebration dedicated to promoting body positivity, rejecting diet culture, and embracing diversity in body shapes and sizes. It encourages individuals to foster self-acceptance and healthier relationships with food, free from societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: May 6
- Tagged as: Body Positivity, Anti-Diet Culture
- What’s the hashtag?: #NoDietDay
- When was it founded?: 1992
- Who founded it?: Mary Evans Young
History
The day was initiated by British feminist Mary Evans Young in 1992 after her personal struggles with anorexia and body image issues. The first celebration involved a picnic in Hyde Park, London, where participants wore stickers saying “Ditch That Diet.” By 1993, the event gained international recognition, with its date moved to May 6 to avoid conflict with Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Today, International No Diet Day is observed globally, symbolized by a light blue ribbon.
Timeline
- 18th Century: George Cheyne publishes “An Essay of Health and Long Life,” introducing early dieting concepts.
- 1863: William Banting popularizes the first fad diet.
- 1992: Mary Evans Young organizes the first No Diet Day in the UK.
- 1993: The celebration becomes global.
- 1998: International Size Acceptance Association begins supporting similar movements.
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 6 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | May 6 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | May 6 | Thursday |
| 2028 | May 6 | Saturday |
| 2029 | May 6 | Sunday |
| 2030 | May 6 | Monday |
Observed
International No Diet Day is celebrated worldwide, particularly in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Israel, Denmark, Sweden, and Brazil. Activities include wearing light blue ribbons, sharing body-positive messages on social media, and hosting events that challenge diet culture.
Fun Facts About
- The day encourages ditching scales and celebrating self-love.
- Some participants host “reverse diet potlucks” featuring indulgent dishes.
- The light blue ribbon symbolizes freedom from restrictive diets and self-criticism.
Quiz
- Who founded International No Diet Day?
Answer: Mary Evans Young - What is the symbol of International No Diet Day?
Answer: Light blue ribbon - When was the first International No Diet Day celebrated?
Answer: In 1992
FAQs
When is International No Diet Day celebrated?
May 6 every year.
Why was it created?
To promote body acceptance and challenge harmful dieting practices.
Where is it observed?
Globally, especially in countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and India.
What does the light blue ribbon represent?
It symbolizes freedom from restrictive diets and self-criticism.
Importance
International No Diet Day highlights the dangers of diet culture while promoting self-love and body positivity. It raises awareness about weight discrimination and fatphobia while encouraging people to prioritize mental and physical health over societal beauty standards.
Related
- Body Positivity Movement
- National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
- Health at Every Size Movement