How thin is too thin?

BY Geeta Khurana

If you can you hide behind telephone poles, or pass through cracked doorways, then you are too thin. In this world full of overweight and obese people we sometimes forget that there are too skinny people around. The social pressure to be thin beckons each one of us at all times. Television, magazines, movies, and the internet, all of which are flooded with information about how to be slim, tell us being thin is symbolic of intelligence and beauty.

Advertisers heavily market weight reduction programs and present anorexic young models as the symbols of achievement and sexual desirability. Clothes are designed and displayed for thin bodies in spite of the fact that few women could wear them successfully. In countries where obesity is widespread, young adolescents who tend to remain thin feel that they have achieved a great personal victory. This victory is further applauded by friends and relatives who are heavier and make the adolescent feel the urge to maintain their thin physique even more. Therefore weight loss is viewed as a sign of extraordinary achievement and self discipline, whereas weight gain is looked upon as a loss of self control and determination.

Most of us envy these people but we do not realise that these people might have their own set of problems which might be as serious as being overweight.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Being underweight is usually accompanied by a deficiency of essential nutrients and/ or trace elements. Anemia and lowered immune systems are just two deficiencies that might be prevalent in skinny people. Anemia is a disease of the blood that occurs when there’s a deficiency of red blood cells. Anemia is caused by nutritional deficiencies of iron, B-12, and folate. There is lack of energy and fatigue, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and headaches.

Unaware of risks

We normally associate overweight with diabetes and high cholesterol but sometimes thin or skinny people are more at risk of these problems. It’s very easy to be thin yet unhealthy, as naturally thin people might indulge in fast food, or eat more high fat or high calorie foods and think they can get away with it. No matter the weight though, blood sugar levels and bad cholesterol counts can be rising. Thin people might also skip out on the regular check-ups and blood tests that can detect these problems because they think they’re in good shape.

Osteoporosis

Being too skinny increases the risk of the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis, and the chance of breaking bones. Fat fuels the production of the hormone estrogen, which women need for strong bones. Too little estrogen can make bones porous and brittle, and more prone to fractures. As a result, a simple fall or accident is more likely to cause serious injury.

Eating Disorders

Although we all worry about our weight sometimes, people with an eating disorder go to extremes to keep themselves from gaining weight. Although we all worry about our weight sometimes, people with an eating disorder go to extremes to keep themselves from gaining weight. These are mainly anorexia nervosa or bulimia.

People with anorexia are obsessed with being thin. This condition is characterised by selfstarvation and emaciation. They don’t want to eat, and they are afraid of gaining weight. They may constantly worry about how many calories they take in or how much fat is in their food. They may take diet pills, laxatives or water pills to lose weight, or they may exercise too much. Anorexics usually think they’re fat even though they’re very thin.

Bulimia is eating a lot of food at once (called bingeing), and then throwing up or using laxatives to remove the food from the body (called purging). After a binge, some bulimics fast (don’t eat), or over exercise to keep from gaining weight. People with bulimia may also use water pills, laxatives or diet pills to “control” their weight. People with bulimia often try to hide their bingeing and purging. They may hide food for binges. Bulimics are usually close to normal weight, but their weight may go up and down.

There is no single known cause for these disorders though physical, psychological, personal, and social issues have been associated with triggering eating disorders. The gastro intestinal tract is profoundly affected in anorexia as it may result in constipation or bloating. Excessive vomiting in bulimia may cause dehydration and also severe potassium deficiency. In very severe cases medical complications such as seizures, heart failure, or irregular heart rhythms may also exist.

Fertility

Being underweight can affect your chances of getting pregnant. A shortage of fat can mean your

Although we all worry about our weight sometimes, people with an eating disorder go to extremes to keep themselves from gaining weight body is not producing enough estrogen, which is needed for conception. It’s a form of natural protection – when you get very thin, your body knows that it will be harder for you to sustain a healthy pregnancy, so makes it more difficult for you to conceive in the first place.

It is not bad to be skinny, but those who are underweight should assess their condition with the help of a health professional and work toward attaining a healthy weight in order to minimise health problems and achieve personal well being.

5 ways to get through winter, stylishly!

By Kalyani WaKhare

ioften get asked about ideas for looking stylish in winter. As the weather cools down and adding layers becomes essential, it can be a bit tricky to avoid looking daggy and repetitive with the same outerwear, unless it is a trench coat (which is a clear winner anytime!) But I guess there are plenty of occasions when you’d like to try something besides the classic trench...

Here are some of the big, hot trends that give you extraordinary styling options with a range of really simple pieces.

Chunky or sparkly knits

The pull over is by far the most reliable and practical piece during winter!

The question is how to work the pullover to make it interesting, trendy and packed with style

Chunky knits: a versatile neutral pullover will go a long way for unlimited styling options. Think about combining it with printed pants, coloured jeans and even over pastel dresses for a polished ladylike look.

Sparkly sweater: sparkle, shine and still stay warm on a cold winter night, plus you’ll never have to worry about how to dress for a winter party with this one. Add that sparkly statement neckpiece for instant glam.

Winter Florals

The floral trend continues into winter and I’m loving the possibilities! I find the idea of working my spring pieces overtime really appealing. So how exactly do you make it work in this harsh weather? Simply layer your floral pants with chunky knits, cardigans, blazers and coats in complimentary colours to the print. Wear the floral dress with a dark coloured coat and bright beret.

If you think the floral look is far too casual, wear everything else all black. Also, think beyond the floral pants and dresses, even scarves, sweaters, bags and shoes are all part of the floral trend.

Coloured coats

A warm coat is a must have but a coloured one is just perfect for adding drama! A burst of colour peps up wintry black, navy and grey outfits. Keep your handbag and boots really plain and neutral, and contrast your scarf with the coat to make a statement. Stripes and polka dots are perfect too when you have a strong solid coloured outerwear. Try a leopard print scarf or ankle boots with a crimson red coat for that daring look!

Jewel tones

Fiery ruby, rich emerald, royal amethyst or sapphire! Don’t just think jewellery. This trend includes scarves, shoes, belts, clutch bags and even jeans.

Perfect to light up a dreary day and make you stand out and look radiant. The trick to make it work is to combine opposite colours. For example, work your jeans n’ black tee look with plum ballet flats and a mustard yellow structured bag, or a bright red cardigan over the crisp white shirt, teamed with a dark green pencil skirt. If you’re not much of a risk taker, just start off with a jewel toned scarf worn over a beige top or dress and matching ballet flats.

Big bags

Totes, hobos, slouch bags... yes! Tis the time of the year to flaunt these big bags that are roomy and can fit all your prized possessions, including your laptop. Plus it’s handy to have an oversized bag in winter to put away the scarves and sweaters once you’re indoors too.

So what are some of the popular colours? Tan and black are certainly the more predictable choices but this year go all out and experiment with colour. Try a red tote or a teal one! Mustard, coral, animal prints or textures are right on trend too. Ensure that one piece of your outfit matches or compliments the colour of the bag for best results.

The floral trend continues into winter and I’m loving the possibilities! I find the idea of working my spring pieces overtime really appealing