Maya Haddad Rebeiz: "Restrictive diets don't work in the long term."

For InterviewsMaya Haddad Rebeiz spoke for the first time to a French media outlet. A renowned dietician and founder of EatRightLight, she has established herself as a leading figure in nutrition in Lebanon. She has over 131.000 followers on Instagram and more than 104.000 on FacebookShe shares her advice daily with a large community. Combining medical expertise, personalized support, and awareness campaigns, she promotes a sustainable vision of nutrition, based on balance rather than deprivation. Through her clinic, her hospital involvement, and her digital presence, she champions a simple idea: eating better means learning to live better. 

Aimé KanikiCan you tell us about your childhood and your career path? 
Maya Haddad RebeizI chose to become a nutritionist instead of studying medicine because nutrition can be a step before medicine. It helps people stay healthy and prevent illness before they need medical treatment. My goal is to help people adopt a healthy diet and a balanced lifestyle to improve their health and well-being. 

You started in medicine before turning to nutrition. What triggered this change? 
Medicine demands an immense, long-term commitment, and I couldn't envision myself maintaining that pace. At the time, nutrition was an emerging specialty, with clear pathways to medicine. I was drawn to its more holistic approach: medical, aesthetic, and psychological. I found a more direct, more human connection with patients, one that better suited my personality. 

Your approach prioritizes balance over restriction. Why? 
Because restrictive diets don't work in the long run. For me, it's not about "going on a diet," but about adopting a sustainable lifestyle. I teach my patients to eat everything in moderation, to exercise, and to sleep well. It's a holistic approach that also includes mental well-being. It's about relearning to eat without fear or frustration, even incorporating occasional treats. 

You place great emphasis on the relationship of trust with your patients. Why is this essential? 
Because the follow-up is regular and goes far beyond a simple consultation. Over time, a relationship of trust develops. I want my patients to feel comfortable and never judged. A consultation should not be experienced as a punishment. Weight is just one indicator among many: well-being, energy, and body image are equally important. 

What are your plans with EatRightLight? 
EatRightLight is first and foremost a nutritional education platform accessible to everyone. Through social media, we disseminate reliable, scientifically validated information. Today, we focus heavily on digital content, supported by thorough research. Furthermore, we had a project for a center combining nutrition, aesthetics, and dermatology, which is currently on hold due to the situation in Lebanon. 

What is your view on the current situation in Lebanon? 
This is an extremely difficult time. The instability is directly impacting our business: consultations are decreasing, and people's priorities are changing. Nutrition is becoming secondary to economic emergencies. We are adapting by offering more online consultations. But above all, we are working extensively on the psychological aspect, because stress leads to unbalanced eating habits. 

You have a large following on social media. How do you experience this fame? 
Quite simply. It's something I've been used to for a long time. People recognize me, talk to me, sometimes even comment on what I'm eating! It's still fun. But it also comes with a responsibility: I have to set an example, stay consistent with what I believe in, while remaining authentic. 

What advice would you give to younger generations? 
Taking care of your body from a young age is essential. Health isn't built at 50, but begins in childhood. It's not about deprivation, but about learning balance. Eating well, exercising, and respecting your body are habits that are developed over the long term and shape your entire life. 

Interview by Aimé Kaniki