Is Skinny Worth It?

Okay. Also I can say is that being "skinny" is great and all. But it seems to me that being health is way more important. With half of the Hollywood women grossly underweight, it is really that amazing to think that we have such a huge problem in this country with eating disorders?

About six years ago, I lost a lot of weight due to the fact that I was sick all the time for about two years. I couldn't keep anything down. I didn't intentionally get sick but I was sick all the same. I can't imagine making myself go through that again. I was miserable, depressed, and exhausted. Why would someone intentionally put their body through that?

Bulimia Nervosa according to the National Eating Disorder Association has three main symptoms: "Regular intake of large amounts of food accompanied by a sense of loss of control over eating behavior. Regular use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, fasting, and/or obsessive or compulsive exercise. Extreme concern with body weight and shape." So if the symptoms aren't bad enough on their own the health consequences are even worse. The NEDA website states that the health complications of bulimia nervosa include: "Electrolyte imbalances that can lead to irregular heartbeats and possibly heart failure and death. Electrolyte imbalance is caused by dehydration and loss of potassium and sodium from the body as a result of purging behaviors. Inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus from frequent vomiting. Tooth decay and staining from stomach acids released during frequent vomiting. Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation as a result of laxative abuse."

The warning signs of Anorexia Nervosa include "Dramatic weight loss. Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, fat grams, and dieting. Refusal to eat certain foods, progressing to restrictions against whole categories of food e.g. no carbohydrates, etc.). Frequent comments about feeling “fat” or overweight despite weight loss. Anxiety about gaining weight or being “fat.” Denial of hunger. Development of food rituals (e.g. eating foods in certain orders, excessive chewing, rearranging food on a plate). Consistent excuses to avoid mealtimes or situations involving food. Excessive, rigid exercise regimen--despite weather, fatigue, illness, or injury--the need to “burn off” calories taken in. Withdrawal from usual friends and activities. In general, behaviors and attitudes indicating that weight loss, dieting, and control of food are becoming primary concerns." The health complications/consequences of anorexia nervosa are "Abnormally slow heart rate and low blood pressure, which mean that the heart muscle is changing. The risk for heart failure rises as heart rate and blood pressure levels sink lower and lower. Reduction of bone density (osteoporosis), which results in dry, brittle bones. Muscle loss and weakness. Severe dehydration, which can result in kidney failure. Fainting, fatigue, and overall weakness. Dry hair and skin, hair loss is common. Growth of a downy layer of hair called lanugo all over the body, including the face, in an effort to keep the body warm."

Although I understand that sometimes it's hard to be happy with yourself and what you look like, but the complications of these disorders are just plain scary. Can you imagine? Cardiac arrest at 19? It is just not worth it. I'd rather be alive and happy than skinny and miserable. So many young women lose themselves in these disorders.

Okay, I know. I probably went a little overboard on the info and could have probably just inserted the links, but I really want people to understand the dangers of these disorders. It is really important to improve the body image that girls and young women have.