Saudi Gazette Weight loss is the topic of choice at almost every social gathering. The media and educational seminars devote a whole lot of attention to the newest and most recent findings in the world of nutrition and exercise that will help one lose weight. A plethora of famous diet books, diet pills, nutritional supplements, exercise equipments and natural herbs are touted as the key to getting the perfect body you have always dreamed of. This weight loss frenzy has spun out of control and is beginning to negatively impact the health of young women in the Kingdom. Due to the media's depiction of skinny actresses and models, who look graceful and attractive, many girls have developed an obsession with their weights. Anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder that makes people lose more weight than is considered healthy for their age and height, very little is spoken about it. A research was conducted by Dr. Fatima Al-Huwaish, a psychology professor at King Faisal University in Al-Ahsa, on a number of females going to university and high school. The study found that 70 percent young women had a strong desire to lose weight and were unsatisfied with their bodies. Dieting and weight loss was listed as one of their top concerns. The study also showed that the girls' perception of beauty and a pretty body was directly linked to being slim and slender. The diet craze has become more common and more dangerous than one had previously thought. Anorexia nervosa is widely spreading among teenagers and even adult women, as many young women reported that they would practically do anything to lose weight. Signs of anorexia nervosa include continuous dieting that is eating very little, to the extent of starving oneself apart from exercising vigorously and excessively. The victim refuses to eat no matter how hungry she may feel. Her infatuation with her body causes her to constantly weigh herself. As the disorder progresses, some women may take laxatives and appetite suppressants. A clear indication of anorexia nervosa is that the affected person has a distorted image of herself. Her weight may be normal and everyone around her persist that she is thin, but when she looks in the mirror she sees a fat person and she disapproves of her body. Nura Al-Subei, third year student at King Saud University said that being thin is every girl's dream. It was actually her mother's idea for Nura to watch her weight and start dieting. Nura said, “My mother encouraged me to exercise regularly and gave me a diet to follow. At first I was against the idea, but once my weight started to drop, I was pleased with the results so I kept dieting and now I am careful with what I eat.” N. M., second year student at King Faisal University told Okaz that her dieting endeavors started when she was in high school, and that she has even used diet pills. N.M. said, “With dieting and exercise, I reached my ideal weight, but I want to continue losing weight to be as thin as the fashion models. I enjoy the looks of admiration I get from people because I am tall and thin.” Amina Abdullah, student at Umm Al-Qura University, reported, “Weight loss and dieting is the most discussed topic between me and my friends. We even started a competition amongst ourselves. We will collect money and buy a prize for the girl who loses the most weight by the end of the month.” Masha'il K., an 11th grade student, said that she weighs herself every day. She feels depressed and anxious if the scale indicates that she gained even half a kilogram. Although she weighs only 40 kg she is under constant fear of gaining weight. An intense desire to lose weight can lead to anorexia nervosa, which if left untreated, can be life threatening. Dr. Fatima Al-Huwaish, who led the research project, said that an increasing number of psychologists and social workers are reporting cases of anorexia nervosa. The study at King Faisal University estimated that one out of every 250 women between the ages of 14 and 20 years in the Kingdom suffer from anorexia nervosa. Even more distressing is the finding that this eating disorder claims the lives of 5 percent of the affected women. Only two-thirds of anorexia sufferers recover completely and lead normal lives, while the remaining one-third is kept under the clutches of this overpowering addiction with weight loss. Women battling eating disorders are usually more perceptible to depression, low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and feelings of insecurity and self-criticism regarding their physical appearance. “Anorexia nervosa takes a heavy toll on the patient's thoughts, emotional, mental, and physical health. Growth is hindered in teenage girls and women with severe anorexia may experience dysmonorrhea (or a discontinuation of menstruation). Performance at school or university often dwindles and is accompanied by fatigue and exhaustion,” said Dr. Fahd Al-Rabe'a, psychology professor at King Saud University. Treating anorexia nervosa requires a multi-faceted approach. Dr. Fahd Al-Rabe'a stated, “It can be challenging to treat anorexia nervosa. Women with eating disorders need family support, psychological analysis, training in correcting their false self-image, and in quitting self-destructive habits and behaviors. In addition, they may need nutritional supplements and medications.” Psychologists and health professionals encourage media, schools, and healthcare centers to promote healthy eating habits, rather than dieting. We need more lectures, workshops, and educational seminars to increase its awareness. Our young women should see the negative side of extreme weight loss and should realize that being emaciated is not all that glamorous. The media fails to publicize the reality and the downside of the tiring chase for being thin. “The general public lacks awareness that an excessive drop in weight loss may lead to a number of uncomfortable problems and unattractive symptoms. For example: anorexic women have dry, brittle hair that falls out, dry and flaky skin, anemia, weak bones that fracture easily, excessive salivation, low body temperature, poor dental health, constipation, fatigue, depression, and involuntary muscle contractions,” said Dr. Fahd Rabe'a. __
