Weight is often used as a measure of a person’s worth, but it’s time to recognize that it’s just a number. Defining individuals by their weight, labeling them, and belittling them because of their perceived shortcomings only serves to diminish their worth. People are so much more than just their physical attributes, including their color, height, and weight.
Sahana, a bright and brilliant young girl, arrived at my clinic with her parents. Her small and delicate frame was immediately apparent, giving the impression that she was as fragile as a bird that could be easily blown away by a gust of wind. Sahana’s parents were visibly upset and their disappointment was palpable. Their comments about Sahana’s physical appearance only served to amplify the weight of their words. Even though Sahana had heard similar remarks before, the fact that they were coming from her loved ones made it especially painful for her.
At just five feet tall and weighing a mere 30 kilos, Sahana appeared as though she had not yet fully blossomed into adulthood. Her anemic appearance and lack of interest in healthy food had taken their toll, leaving her weak and fatigued. Her diet was filled with junk food, and she had a disinterest in eating meals that would provide her with the necessary nutrients to support her body.
Sahana’s sleeping patterns were also disrupted, leaving her feeling lethargic and drained throughout the day. It was clear that her water intake was not where it should be, and her eating habits were a complete mess. Upon further questioning, it became evident that Sahana often skipped breakfast, exacerbating her already poor eating routine.
Despite her intelligence and academic success, Sahana had faced a series of rejections from men, with her weight being their primary concern. Society often scrutinizes underweight individuals, viewing them as less attractive and less desirable. For Sahana, the constant commentary on her weight felt like a never-ending tapping on a bleeding wound, leaving her feeling more stressed and anxious with each passing day.
Psychology of underweight girl
The psychology of an underweight girl can be complex, with feelings of inadequacy and a lack of self-worth being common. The societal pressure to conform to beauty standards and expectations can take its toll on one’s mental health, leading to anxiety and depression. It can also lead to disordered eating patterns, such as anorexia or bulimia, as individuals attempt to gain control over their bodies and their appearance.
Sahana’s disinterest in healthy foods and lack of proper nutrition was not solely due to her taste preferences but also stemmed from her desire to control her weight. In her mind, being thin equated to being desirable and accepted by others. Her self-worth had become intrinsically tied to her body weight and appearance, leaving her feeling like she needed to shrink herself to fit into society’s narrow definition of beauty.
Treatment
As an Ayurvedic doctor, my primary goal was to help Sahana develop a better understanding of the significance of proper nutrition and the potential risks associated with restrictive eating habits. In addition, it was important to address the underlying psychological factors that contributed to her disordered eating patterns. I explained to her how societal pressures to conform to certain beauty standards can result in negative body image and self-esteem issues. It was crucial for Sahana to recognize that being underweight can lead to various health issues, including weakened immune systems, organ damage, and malnutrition.
After examining Sahana, I prescribed a mixture of Pipplyasava and Bhringarajasava to stimulate her appetite. In addition, I suggested a herbonic powder mixed with warm milk, taken twice daily. We worked together on her diet, aiming for her to consume over 1200 calories at breakfast alone. She began to eat six to seven bananas and two apples each day, along with bread, cheese, eggs, and more.
With Pipplyasava and Bhringarajasava, her appetite improved over time. Though she experienced some resistance in the beginning, her body eventually accepted the new routine. By the end of the first month, she had gained one kilogram. After two years, Sahana had gained 15 kilos and was feeling much happier and more positive about herself. Through counseling and guidance, Sahana began to understand that her worth was not tied to her weight or appearance. She learned to prioritize her health and well-being, making conscious decisions to fuel her body with healthy foods and exercise.
A few years later, Sahana called me for an online consultation for her husband’s migraine. She was living in Dubai and was very happy. Her weight was no longer a source of frustration or shame, and her positive outlook on life was clear in her voice.
Conclusion
The psychology of an underweight girl can be complex, with societal pressure and expectations often contributing to negative body image and disordered eating patterns. It is important to address these underlying psychological factors to promote healthy eating habits and positive self-image. As a society, we need to shift our focus from appearance to health and well-being, promoting body positivity and self-acceptance for all.
(Note: The name of the individual in this article has been changed to Sahana to ensure their privacy.)
