# dieting

/ˈdaɪətɪŋ/ (US) · /dˈaɪətɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dieting
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the act of eating less food or only specific types of food to lose weight or improve health.

For teachers: the practice of following a regulated course of food and drink for the purpose of weight reduction or medical management.

## Examples

- She says that dieting makes her feel tired and hungry.
- Many people find that strict dieting is less effective for long-term health than making small, permanent lifestyle changes.
- The multi-billion dollar wellness industry often promotes extreme dieting as a quick fix, despite clinical evidence suggesting that such restrictive habits can damage metabolic health.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a gerund to describe the ongoing activity or lifestyle choice.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.