At any given time, roughly 26 percent of women and 16 percent of men are on a diet, according to a study conducted by researchers at the NPD Group. That means that 74 percent of women and 84 percent of men have found reasons not to diet. Some people have decided that diets don't work for them, while others are choosing to eat a healthy diet, but not worry about weight loss. While dieting is often a personal choice, there are some situations where you should not diet.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is no time to restrict calories. The average pregnant woman needs 300 additional calories per day, according to KidsHealth, a service of the Nemours Foundation. Even if you are overweight you'll still need to add additional nutrition to your diet to feed your growing baby.
Underweight
If your body mass index is less than 18.5--about 110 lbs. for a 5-foot, 5-inch woman--you should not diet. Eat healthy foods that are low in saturated fat, but do not restrict calories for weight loss. A low BMI has been seen as a risk factor in infertility and osteoporosis.
Illness
Do not diet if you are ill, unless you are under the care of a physician who suggests it. Weight loss is a symptom of many cancers, so you will likely be in need of additional nutrition when battling this disease. However, diseases such as diabetes and heart disease may require a diet as part of the treatment.
Eating Disorders
If you have an eating disorder, you should not diet. Dieting or feeling deprived can trigger binge eating in people with bulimia. Work with a counselor to come up with a healthy eating plan that includes all your favorite foods in appropriate portion sizes.
