Dying to be thin
By: Brettney Swainston
9F Journalism
It is amazing the lengths people will go to be thin. You cannot turn on the TV without seeing ads for new diet pills and diet programs that promise the impossible. Adding to this are the size 0 models that are portrayed by the media to be the norm. While it is hard on society as a whole, it is particularly damaging to the self-esteem of women. Where does the average, normal sized woman fit in to this?
If you have looked through a magazine lately, you have probably seen major Hollywood stars withering away. It has become “trendy” to be the size of a toothpick. While it is trendy, there are some scary side effects that come with being a size 0. Sure, you get to be thin, but is it really worth getting sick and possibly dying over? In fact, 20% of people with serious eating disorders die and only 60% of people ever recover. The media is not helping girls think about a healthy body image. You see stars such as the Olsen Twins, Nicole Richie, and Kate Moss starving themselves to be skinny. Teenage girls are starting to think it is normal to be deathly thin, but the reality is that it is dangerous and stupid to starve yourself. The focus should be shifting from being as thin as you can get, to striving to be healthy.
The key to a healthy lifestyle is balance. If you stay active and eat a balanced diet as recommended by the Canadian Food Guide you should be healthy and feel good about yourself. A great way to stay healthy is jump rope for 5-10min a day. Another great way to stay healthy is not to skip meals because your body needs constant energy. If you or someone you know might have an eating disorder you can call the eating disorder help line at 800-931-2237.
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