Abstract:
Diet culture, with its emphasis on thinness, restrictive eating, and moralizing food, is increasingly
pervasive globally, including in India. This study explores how exposure to diet culture influences
body image satisfaction, self-esteem levels, and overall well-being. Through a survey of 78 Indian
females across India, this research aims to understand the specific ways in which diet culture
manifests within the Indian context and its consequences for women's psychological and emotional
health. Among the 78 participants, 33% linked self-worth to appearance, 47.4% experienced
disordered eating behaviors, and 65.4% perceived social media as significantly contributing to
negative body image. Despite these challenges, only 30.8% had sought professional help for body
image or eating concerns. The findings highlight the need for greater awareness of the harmful effects
of diet culture and the promotion of body positivity and healthy relationships with food
