What do yoga classes, horseback riding, and even community service have in common? Liability waivers. From warning that the activity “requires physical exertion” to noting that the company “assumes no responsibility for injury or loss of personal property,” liability waivers inform participants of possible risks and damages while absolving businesses from legal action against them.
When it comes to restrictive diet plans and rigid food rules, however, rarely are potential hazards addressed. Before starting a new diet or food plan, let’s imagine what a Release of Liability Waiver might look like for one of our culture’s most celebrated pursuits.
PRODUCT
Diet, noun \ˈdī-ət\
Any food rules, restrictions, or eating behaviors undertaken with the intent of weight loss, often forcing the body outside of its unique natural weight range. Sometimes referred to as lifestyle change, cleanse, detox, or clean eating.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY WAIVER
I, __________, (full legal name), hereby release the dieting industry from any and all liability connected with my participation in __________ (name of latest diet).
I acknowledge that there is scant evidence linking dieting to long-term weight loss, health and performance benefits, or higher quality of life, and that evidence exists pointing to the contrary. I have been informed that diet industry professionals estimate a paltry 1% of dieters maintain long-term weight loss and that, over time, I will likely regain more than I lose on this plan. I also acknowledge that research fails to demonstrate significant improvements in health or performance as a result of dieting, regardless of weight change, and that yo-yo dieting and weight cycling can lead to an increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases, diabetes, and dementia.
Furthermore, I understand that my brain cannot distinguish between ‘diet’ and ‘famine’ and therefore declares a biological state of emergency when deprived of appropriate nutrition – regardless of my weight upon commencement of said diet. Physical risks include but are not limited to disrupted digestion, low metabolism and body temperature, increased appetite, reduced energy levels, heightened cravings, decreased muscle tissue, insomnia, fatigue, brain fog, impaired athletic performance, and disruption in female menstrual cycles.
Social and physiological risks include but are not limited to an unhealthy relationship with both food and body, damaged self-esteem, weight bias and stigmatization, food obsession, disordered eating or eating disorders, and negative body image. I understand that dieting may impede healthy social interactions by inducing distress before, during, or after parties, events, or other gatherings in my efforts to avoid ‘forbidden foods’ or anticipated temptations. Lastly, I acknowledge that said diet’s food rules may diminish the pleasure of eating, generate shame and guilt around hunger, and monopolize valuable headspace that could be directed elsewhere.
I accept full responsibility for ‘falling off the wagon’ or deviating from said diet plan in any way, shape, or form. I agree to blame personal lack of willpower for binging and/or overeating, even though these behaviors are natural, instinctual, and protective reactions under conditions my body perceives as starvation.
I hereby knowingly and intentionally waive and release, indemnify, and hold harmless the entire diet industry from the risks mentioned and implied. I have carefully read, clearly understand, and voluntarily sign this waiver and release agreement.
______________ Signature
______________ Date
At the Center for Active Women, we believe that you deserve so much more than what diet culture has to offer. Your here-and-now body is on your team, and she is worthy of nourishment, care, and respect – exactly as she is today.
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