Something can be a grift or a cult and still be based on life-and-death reality. If my doctor tells me I have to lose 100 lbs or I will die, then I can start c

Something can be a grift or a cult and still be based on life-and-death reality. If my doctor tells me I have to lose 100 lbs or I will die, then I can start counting calories, restrict myself to a certain number, and do it honestly or I can start eating only "diet" food. And then when I don't lose weight, I can rationalize that diet food is really expensive, so I need help to afford more of it. Maybe there is a weight loss club I can join for discounts. If I eliminate half of the non-diet food I'm eating, and double the amount of diet food, am I closer to my goal? I think this is basically the definition of classical tragedy.