Intuitive eating (IE) has become increasingly popular, with many healthcare professionals embracing it as a non-diet framework and individuals affected by the psychological effects of chronic dieting adopting it as an alternative approach. There is strong evidence to support the use of IE as an alternative to restrictive eating, with reported benefits such as improved psychological well-being and reduced disordered eating behaviour. As a registered dietitian with a history of disordered eating myself, I strongly support IE and advocate for its use where appropriate. However, it is not a universal solution and may not be appropriate in every context.

  1. Resch E, Tribole T. Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works. St. Martin’s Press; 1995
  2. Linardon J, Tylka T, Fuller Tyszkiewicz M. Intuitive eating and its psychological correlates: A meta analysis. Appetite. 2021.54:1073 1098
  3. Hart S, Marnane C, McMaster C, Thomas A. Development of the “Recovery from Eating Disorders for Life” Food Guide (REAL Food Guide): A food pyramid for adults with an eating disorder. J Eat Disord. 2018.6:1 9
  4. Abene JA, Tong J, Minuk J, Lindenfeldar G, Chen Y, Chao AM. Food insecurity and binge eating: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Eat Disord. 2023. 56:1301-1322. doi: 10.1002/eat.23956.
  5. Burnette C, Hazzard V, Larson N, Hahn S, Eisenberg M, Neumark Sztainer D. Is intuitive eating a privileged approach? Cross sectional and longitudinal associations between food insecurity and intuitive eating. Public Health Nutr. 2023.26.1 12
  6. Koide Y, Kato T, Hayashi M et al. Association between eating behaviour patterns and the therapeutic efficacy of GLP 1 receptor agonists in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A multicentre prospective observational study. Front Clin Diabetes Healthc. 2025.6:1 10
  7. Linardon J, Tylka T, Fuller Tyszkiewicz M. Intuitive eating and its psychological correlates: A meta analysis. Appetite. 2021.54:1073 1098

About the Author: Leanne Thompson, RD

Leanne currently works as an Acute Dietitian, having graduated from her MSc in Dietetics and Leadership earlier this year. Previously, she worked as a Dietetic Assistant Practitioner in an acute hospital for four years.

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Intuitive eating (IE) has become increasingly popular, with many healthcare professionals embracing it as a non-diet framework and individuals affected by the psychological effects of chronic dieting adopting it as an alternative approach. There is strong evidence to support the use of IE as an alternative to restrictive eating, with reported benefits such as improved psychological well-being and reduced disordered eating behaviour. As a registered dietitian with a history of disordered eating myself, I strongly support IE and advocate for its use where appropriate. However, it is not a universal solution and may not be appropriate in every context.

  1. Resch E, Tribole T. Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works. St. Martin’s Press; 1995
  2. Linardon J, Tylka T, Fuller Tyszkiewicz M. Intuitive eating and its psychological correlates: A meta analysis. Appetite. 2021.54:1073 1098
  3. Hart S, Marnane C, McMaster C, Thomas A. Development of the “Recovery from Eating Disorders for Life” Food Guide (REAL Food Guide): A food pyramid for adults with an eating disorder. J Eat Disord. 2018.6:1 9
  4. Abene JA, Tong J, Minuk J, Lindenfeldar G, Chen Y, Chao AM. Food insecurity and binge eating: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Eat Disord. 2023. 56:1301-1322. doi: 10.1002/eat.23956.
  5. Burnette C, Hazzard V, Larson N, Hahn S, Eisenberg M, Neumark Sztainer D. Is intuitive eating a privileged approach? Cross sectional and longitudinal associations between food insecurity and intuitive eating. Public Health Nutr. 2023.26.1 12
  6. Koide Y, Kato T, Hayashi M et al. Association between eating behaviour patterns and the therapeutic efficacy of GLP 1 receptor agonists in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A multicentre prospective observational study. Front Clin Diabetes Healthc. 2025.6:1 10
  7. Linardon J, Tylka T, Fuller Tyszkiewicz M. Intuitive eating and its psychological correlates: A meta analysis. Appetite. 2021.54:1073 1098

About the Author: Leanne Thompson, RD

Leanne currently works as an Acute Dietitian, having graduated from her MSc in Dietetics and Leadership earlier this year. Previously, she worked as a Dietetic Assistant Practitioner in an acute hospital for four years.

Leave A Comment