When is International No Diet Day?

It is observed on May 6 each year.

How do people celebrate International No Diet Day?

Go a full day without commenting on your own or anyone else's body or food choices, and consider wearing the day's light blue ribbon symbol.

Annual observance

International No Diet Day

May 6 Cultural / community observance Updated 2026-07-08

The Obscure Holiday Calendar app highlights International No Diet Day 🍰 with polished artwork, notifications, and one-tap sharing.

Overview

International No Diet Day, observed annually on May 6th, advocates for body acceptance, celebrates body diversity, and challenges the often-negative impact of diet culture. It encourages individuals to develop a healthy relationship with food, embrace intuitive eating, and appreciate their natural body shape without the pressures of restrictive diets.

Why it matters: International No Diet Day, observed on May 6, emphasizes the importance of body acceptance and challenges the harmful norms of diet culture. By promoting a positive relationship with food and celebrating body diversity, this day encourages individuals to appreciate their unique shapes and sizes without the pressures of restrictive dieting.

Origin and story

The day was founded in 1992 by British feminist Mary Evans Young, who had personally struggled with eating disorders and diet culture.

A light blue ribbon serves as the official symbol for International No Diet Day.

Quick facts

DateMay 6
TypeCultural / community observance
Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

This day started small and personal — a British woman who'd struggled with anorexia and bullying organized a dozen women for a picnic in Hyde Park in 1992, and it grew into an international observance from there.

Take the day off from diet talk

Celebrate by:

Going a full day without commenting on your own or anyone else's body or food choices.
Wearing a light blue ribbon, the day's symbol, or another visible sign of body acceptance.

See where the day came from

Helpful resources:

International No Diet Day (UPI)

Did you know?

The date moved from its original May 5 to May 6 in 1993 to avoid clashing with Cinco de Mayo celebrations — which happened to also be founder Mary Evans Young's birthday.

Fun facts

The day was founded in 1992 by British feminist Mary Evans Young, who had personally struggled with eating disorders and diet culture.
A light blue ribbon serves as the official symbol for International No Diet Day.
Its core message promotes the idea that all bodies are good bodies and aims to raise awareness about the potential health risks and ineffectiveness of restrictive dieting.

Sources and attribution

International No Diet Day (UPI)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

Continue your streak

Open one more holiday before you go to build daily momentum.

Yesterday: Cinco de MayoQuick context from the day before.
Tomorrow: National Cosmopolitan DayKeep the streak going with tomorrow's pick.
Random pick: International Polar Bear DayJump to another surprise holiday.
Popular: International Potato Chip DayA fan favorite with broad appeal.

FAQ

When is International No Diet Day?: It is observed on May 6 each year.
What is International No Diet Day?: International No Diet Day, observed annually on May 6th, advocates for body acceptance, celebrates body diversity, and challenges the often-negative impact of diet culture. It encourages individuals to develop a healthy relationship with food, embrace intuitive eating, and appreciate their natural body shape without the pressures of restrictive diets.
How do people celebrate International No Diet Day?: Go a full day without commenting on your own or anyone else's body or food choices, and consider wearing the day's light blue ribbon symbol.

Get the app

Thousands of obscure holidays, daily widgets, reminders, and fun facts—free on iOS and Android.