Camilla warns young people over dangers of ‘ridiculous’ fad diets
The Duchess of Cornwall has warned “ridiculous” fad diets are putting people at risk of osteoporosis.
Camilla suggested trends like clean eating, which can see people cut out calcium-rich foods, are “the worst thing to do”.
The duchess, whose mother Rosalind died from the fragile bone disease in 1994, is president of the Royal Osteoporosis Society and has supported the organisation for two decades.
She called for more to be done to get the message across to young people that they are taking risks with their health in later life by making drastic diet changes.
Today The Duchess of Cornwall attended a reception to mark the launch of the @RoyalOsteoSoc. Formerly the National Osteoporosis Society, the charity was given approval for a Royal title by The Queen in September 2018. pic.twitter.com/mXIVz3KO0n
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) February 13, 2019
“It is this ridiculous dieting, cutting out dairy and all the things that are good for your bones. These girls see ‘Skinny Lizzies’ in a magazine and they all want to be thin. It’s about social media, too,” she told the Daily Mail.
“We need to find a way of educating children that they need to take care of their bodies now instead of aspiring to look like someone they see in a picture if they want to protect themselves in old age.”
The duchess’ intervention comes after health officials warned about the negative impact that celebrities, influencers and advertisers are having on children and young people’s mental health by pushing unrealistic body types online, particularly through social media.
We're excited to officially launch as the #RoyalOsteoporosisSociety today.
The Royal title recognises the contribution we've made over the past 30 years – none of which would have been possible without the dedicated support of people like you. Thank you.https://t.co/K60S8TKJY0pic.twitter.com/m1gVHfKYfw
— Royal Osteoporosis Society (@RoyalOsteoSoc) February 13, 2019
The NHS’ National Medical Director, Professor Stephen Powis, said those who peddle get-thin-quick solutions are “taking the health of our young people in their hands and should act with far greater responsibility”.
Camilla highlighted the dangers to young people’s physical health, saying: “It’s the fad diets, they are the worst thing to do. You are depriving your bones of calcium. They always say you are what you eat.”