Size Zero Trend: How it’s Affecting Young Girls

• Size Zero is a trap that drags you to the grave.
• Size zero is just a marketing gimmick used to fuel the sale of unhealthy choices.
• Eat healthily and live long!

The fashion industry and size zero are almost synonyms. Young girls are continuously churned to believe that beauty lies in losing weight and flaunting a bikini body or a zero figure.

But what they don’t tell you is the heinous side of starvation. Not eating enough could drag you to the grave. It results in a dangerous eating disorder that can be fatal!

Also Read: 10 essential safety tips every girl must know

The ugly side of size zero

In 2006, a 21-year-old Brazilian model, Ana Carolina Reston, died of anorexia. This happened on the eve of a Paris photo shoot after living on a diet of apples and tomatoes.

In the same year, a 22-year-old Uruguayan model, Luisel Ramos, lost her life for the same reasons. If this was not enough, six months later, her 18-year-old sister shared the same fate. She fasted for several days, which led to malnutrition.

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The culture of starvation

Models often starve themselves for days to fit into a dress. This usually leads to drastic mood swings, extreme fatigue, and binge eating. It can also result in bouts of self-harming.

It is pretty standard for insiders to see young actresses and models collapsing and fainting on sets. But they don’t understand that it’s not normal for the body to shut down like this.

Also Read: Does eating late at night make you gain weight?

Experts talk about Zero Size.

Girls as young as 9 or 10 years wish to get thinner to fit into the unhealthy standards of beauty. Dr Alex Yellowlees, a consultant psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, warns about the dark side of the brightly flashed size zero.

Recent research conducted by a London-based college found that constant images of reed-thin, size-zero models, pop stars, and actresses fuelled a rise in eating disorders amongst young women.

There are many studies and evidence that establish that size zero is unhealthy, from drastic mood swings to depression to anxiety and bone disorders. A lot can happen over a plate of food. Fitness experts pointed out that mood swings, anxiety, impulse control, or substance use disorders often accompany eating disorders.

Joining the awareness bandwagon, Actress Gul Panag said, “Size zero has sparked low self-esteem issues, resulting in bulimia, anorexia, and body dysmorphic disorders. Looking ultra-thin is like being a poster girl for sickness and bad health. I believe being it’s more important than being thin and looking sick.” 

Also Read: Ways to beat middle-age weight gain

Size zero or an eating disorder – Your takeaway

The most common eating disorders among young girls include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating. Anorexia is a life-threatening condition caused by severe food restriction and excessive weight loss, while Bulimia is the weird practice of binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting/purging. 

A research study by Bristol University quoted that girls who diet vigorously to achieve a zero figure are at higher risk of decreased bone density, which leads to the long-term risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

So, next time you think of size zero, remember you deserve better! Eat healthily, fuller, work out, and live at its best.

 Research on Size Zero and Health

Let’s look at what the scientific community has to say about this trend:

1. A study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders found that exposure to thin-ideal media images directly contributes to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating among young women.

2. Research in the  Journal of Adolescent Health revealed that girls who frequently diet are at a 12 times higher risk of binge eating compared to those who don’t diet.

3. A long-term study in the  American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that chronic dieting in adolescence is associated with more significant weight gain and eating disorders in young adulthood.

4. The  British Journal of Psychiatry published findings linking the pursuit of thinness to increased rates of depression and anxiety in young women.

Size zero: Ayurvedic doctor’s opinion

Many eminent doctors consider size zero a very small and unhealthy body size. Maintaining such a low body weight can lead to a range of health problems, including nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and an increased risk of eating disorders. Additionally, rapid weight loss and extreme calorie restriction can strain the heart and other organs and lead to the loss of lean body mass, including muscle.

Studies have shown that being underweight is associated with several health problems, including a weakened immune system, fertility issues, and an increased risk of bone fractures. In extreme cases, it can lead to life-threatening conditions like malnutrition and organ failure.

It is important to maintain a healthy weight and body composition through a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Rapid weight loss and extreme calorie restriction are not recommended for most people and can have serious consequences for one’s health.

Also Read 9 Amazing Tips to Overcome unrealistic beauty standards.