PhD Scientific Days 2021

MH_II_L: Mental Health Sciences II. Lectures

Health beliefs and motivations behind juice cleanse diets

Text of the abstract

Introduction: The increasing number of weight loss methods is a natural phenomenon due to the recognition of the dangers of becoming overweight. However, the various diets and weight loss practices are, in most cases, outside of the control of health professionals, instead, driven by marketing products and fad diets. One of these methods are juice cleanse detoxification retreats. Aim: Finding out the individual reasons of attending these camps, and understand the meaning of the cleanness/toxin duality. Methods: The research is based on cultural anthropological fieldwork (interviewing and participant observation), which took place in four juice cleanse camps throughout the time period between 2017 and 2019. The semi-structured in-depth interviews were analyzed by using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Each interview and the participant observation log is coded using the Atlas.ti program. Results: Although there were differences in the motivations of starting a juice cleanse, the participants all shared the belief that detoxifying and rebuilding is possible through the fasting retreats. There was a common contradiction around the results after the camp, claiming that they gain the lost weight back and fall back to their old habits after 3-6 months. Conclusion: Evidence-based nutrition coaching is necessary in building health literacy, as the individuals who should be able to gain control over their weight by using balanced eating habits instead of restrictive fasts.
Funding: This research was funded by the grant titled EFOP-3.6.3-VEKOP-16-2017-00009.

University and Doctoral School

Semmelweis University, Doctoral School of Mental Health Sciences