The Psychology of Dietary Change

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Abstract
This article is directed to the practicability of altering fat intake in the American diet for the prevention of atherosclerosis. The author gives some of his psychiatric experiences indicating that food and eating have important emotional and symbolic, in addition to nutritional, meanings. These meanings are determined by the past experiences of the individual starting in early childhood and including familiar and cultural factors. For this reason, dietary changes for adults may be difficult. It is suggested that the most emotionally stable individuals will be most apt to accept alterations in their diets. Dietary prescriptions which allow for food substitutes, such as vegetable fats for animal fats, will probably be more acceptable than total calorie restriction has been by the obese. Specific research on this question is needed and is feasible.
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