INTERNATIONAL DAY

International No Diet Day

On International No Diet Day, we stretch our view past the state line and remember how connected all of this really is.

MAY6

Thursday, May 6Every year on May 6

days to go

Roots: Created in 1992 by Mary Evans Young
Vibe: A day for self-love and acceptance
Also on May 6: Beverage Day · Crepe Suzette Day · Interpreter Appreciation Day
Hashtag: #InternationalNoDietDay

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Ways to celebrate

Small, doable ways to celebrate International No Diet Day.

Read or watch something made outside the U.S. today.
Cook a dish from a country you've been curious about.
Donate to an international organization doing good work.
Learn one word in a language you don't speak.
Send a message to a friend who lives elsewhere.

Make it your kind of celebration

Family
Eat, watch, or listen to something from another country tonight.
Kids
Pick a country to learn about this week — flag, food, language, one famous person.
Couples
Plan a trip — real or imagined — to someplace you've never been.
Office
Celebrate a team member's heritage — food, holiday, tradition.
School
Tie the day into a geography, language, or world history unit.
Community
Support an international nonprofit with a local presence.
Just me
Read long-form journalism from outside the U.S. today.

Fast facts

Many women report feeling pressure to lose weight

Few women naturally have the body type often portrayed in media

The story

International No Diet Day, celebrated on May 6, is a global movement that challenges the diet culture and encourages individuals to embrace their bodies as they are. Founded in 1992 by Mary Evans Young, this day serves as a reminder to reject harmful dieting practices that can lead to negative body image and self-esteem issues. Instead, it promotes body positivity and acceptance across all shapes and sizes.

Read the full story

The day encourages people to celebrate their bodies and recognize the importance of mental health over societal beauty standards. Activities often include workshops, talks, and social media campaigns that advocate for self-acceptance and a healthier relationship with food. Many organizations participate in raising awareness about the dangers of dieting and the benefits of focusing on overall wellness.

A key aspect of International No Diet Day is the emphasis on the idea that health comes in many sizes. This perspective shifts the focus from weight loss to holistic health, encouraging individuals to find joy in movement and food rather than restriction. It also highlights the importance of challenging societal norms that dictate what a healthy body should look like.

In the United States, events and celebrations take place in various communities, advocating for a world where individuals can feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. As more people join the body positivity movement, International No Diet Day continues to inspire discussions about self-love, acceptance, and the rejection of harmful diet culture.

Did you know?

A Global Movement

International No Diet Day is celebrated in multiple countries, bringing together advocates for body positivity and self-acceptance.

The First Celebration

The inaugural International No Diet Day took place in 1992, founded by Mary Evans Young in the UK.

Cultural Impact

The day has sparked a wider conversation about body image and mental health across various cultures.

Social Media Influence

Hashtags like #NoDietDay trend globally, encouraging people to share their stories and support one another.

Health at Every Size

This movement emphasizes that health can be achieved in bodies of all sizes, challenging traditional views of fitness.

Body Image Statistics

Studies indicate that a significant percentage of women experience pressure to conform to idealized body standards.

Community Engagement

Many organizations host events that focus on body positivity, attracting diverse audiences and fostering community support.

Around the world

Every culture celebrates a little differently.

USUnited StatesIn the U.S., International No Diet Day promotes awareness of body positivity and self-acceptance through various events and social media campaigns.
CACanadaCanadian activists participate in workshops and discussions aimed at fostering a culture of acceptance and celebrating diverse body types.
GBUnited KingdomIn the UK, body positivity movements often coincide with International No Diet Day, highlighting the importance of mental health alongside physical health.
AUAustraliaIn Australia, communities come together to challenge diet culture and promote body diversity through events and social media outreach.
DEGermanyGermany's celebration includes events focusing on health at every size and rejecting traditional dieting norms.
NZNew ZealandNew Zealand encourages public discussions and activities that celebrate body acceptance and promote mental well-being.