Restrictive Eating Practices Linked to Negative Effects on Mental and Physical Health by Dr. Asim Cheema
Published on 4.18.25
Restrictive eating practices have been linked to various negative effects on mental and physical health. Dr. Asim Cheema highlights five key concerns with restrictive eating, including misinterpreting hunger as a sign of fat burning and ignoring the complexities of genetics, mental health, and socioeconomic factors.
Experts warn that restrictive eating can lead to disordered eating patterns and promote shame over support. Nutrition expert Maria AbiHanna notes that crash diets often trigger responses that make weight loss harder, not easier, and stresses the importance of working with one's biology rather than against it.
In contrast to restrictive eating practices, some individuals have found alternative methods for managing mental health. Chris Martin, the frontman of Coldplay, recommends tools like free writing, transcendental meditation, breathing exercises from "The Oxygen Advantage," music therapy albums by Jon Hopkins, and watching movies with music by Chloe Qisha.
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