Diets vs. Body Modification

Are diets considered body modification? First, I surveyed a few of my friends to see their point of views:


“Do you consider a diet to be an example of body modification?”

“Technically, I think it is. However, I personally do not consider diets part of body modification. To me, body modification is something that people have professionals do to their body: piercings, tattoos, etc. are all done by professionals. Diets, however, do not rely on professionals. Some do, but for the most part, not really.” –Jackie, 20 years old

“Yes. If you are eating differently than before, you are “modifying” your body.” –Laura G., 19 years old

“Yes, because you are MODIFYING your body, but it isn’t as radical as tattoos, etc. since it does not alter your body’s original state.”—Amanda, 18 years old

“No! Body modification is kind of like getting a new hood for your car. You change it completely. Now let’s relate that to humans; a person gets new boobs to modified themselves. But a diet? That’s like cleaning your car. You remove trash from it, but it’s still your car. You remove fat from your body, but it’s still your body.” –Trey, 21 years old

“I agree with above.” –Ray Scott, 20 years old

“Yes, because you look different when you get a tattoo and you look different when you lose 40+ pounds. People notice! It influences how people view you, which also is part of body modification.”—Bill, 23 years old.

“Not body modification—you aren’t doing anything unnatural to your body, unlike tattoos, etc. I consider it more of getting yourself healthier and looking better. However, there are extremes. For people who are anorexic, they have mental issues that affect their modified bodies. But, I consider myself slightly overweight, and that not right. I’d rather be at a healthier weight, even if I have to watch what I eat and exercise a little more. But I can see it both ways. The more extreme parts of diets are what I think is body modification.”—Laura H., 24 years old



Next, I interviewed one of my best friends who is currently taking diet pills. Her name is Amy and she is 20 years old and a student at Lenior-Rhyne.

“Do you think of diets as body modification?”
---“Yes, you are making your outward appearance look different, which falls into the modification category.”

“What made you turn to taking diet pills?”
---“I needed and wanted to lose a little weight. I was a healthy weight, but I had just broke up with my boyfriend and I wanted a “new” me. It seemed like a fast solution, so I figured why not!”

“What diet pills are you taking and why did you choose them?”
---“I am taking Dexatrim Max. I like the fact that it curved my appetite. I was always hungry! I would eat when I was studying, watching movies, when I was bored, everything! I was never satisfied. So, I figured I would give it a try.”

“How did you learn about Dexatrim Max?”
---“TV advertisements.”

“Have you noticed a difference in your appearance?”
---“I lost about five pounds during the first month. I feel better about myself; my confidence has boosted drastically.”

“Have you noticed people treating you differently?”
---“No.”

"Do you think this method of body modification is okay for everyone?"
---"No. You still need to eat properly and exercise. Diet pills are supplements, they help speed up the process, not erase fat all by themselves. People who are using them to fit into size 0 jeans for modeling purposes is wrong. You are hurting yourself. When I get down to my weight goal (140 pounds), I will stop taking the pills and watch what I eat permanently. But they are not okay for everyone, especially if they are using them for the wrong reasons."