By Isabelle Wilson-
In a society obsessed with unrealistic beauty standards and quick-fix solutions, the dangers of extreme dieting methods have once again been thrust into the spotlight.
After media mogul Oprah Winfrey bravely shared her struggles with obesity and the pressures of weight loss, questions arise about the efficacy and hazards of starving oneself to shed pounds.
Oprah’s recent weight loss special, “An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame, and the Weight Loss Revolution,” offered a raw and emotional glimpse into her lifelong battle with obesity.
Her tearful revelation about using medication to curb her constant thoughts about food sparked controversy and reignited debates about the extremes people go to in pursuit of the perfect body.
The allure of starvation diets as a means of rapid weight loss is not new. Drastically restricting calorie intake yields short-term results for some individuals leading to significant weight loss. However, the risks associated with this approach far outweigh any perceived benefits.
Academics insist that starvation diets operate on the principle of creating a severe energy deficit, forcing the body to burn stored fat for fuel. While this may result in initial weight loss, the body’s response to prolonged starvation is anything but favourable.
Dr Eric Ossai, an expert in Food science, told The Eye Of Media.Com: As calorie intake plummets, the body enters a state of starvation mode, slowing down metabolism to conserve energy and prioritizing vital functions over non-essential processes.
”One of the most immediate dangers of starvation diets is the risk of malnutrition. Severe calorie restriction deprives the body of essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients crucial for overall health.
”This can result in a host of physical and cognitive impairments, including fatigue, weakness, dizziness, hair loss, and impaired immune function.
”Moreover, prolonged starvation can wreak havoc on hormonal balance, particularly affecting hormones related to appetite regulation and metabolism.
‘Leptin, the hormone responsible for signalling satiety, decreases in response to starvation, leading to increased feelings of hunger and cravings for high-calorie foods.
‘Conversely, ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates appetite, rises, further intensifying feelings of hunger and perpetuating a cycle of binge-eating and restriction.
”Psychologically, the toll of starvation diets is equally devastating. Constant hunger, food obsession, and the relentless pursuit of thinness can trigger or exacerbate eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
‘The distorted body image perpetuated by societal pressures exacerbates feelings of inadequacy and self-loathing, trapping individuals in a vicious cycle of disordered eating behaviors.
‘Despite these grim realities, some individuals may experience temporary success with starvation diets, achieving significant weight loss in the short term.
‘However, this success often comes at a steep price, with many regaining the lost weight once normal eating patterns resume. Furthermore, the long-term consequences of starvation diets far outweigh any fleeting benefits, posing serious risks to physical and mental health.
‘In Oprah’s case, her decision to incorporate medication into her weight loss journey raises questions about the efficacy and safety of pharmaceutical interventions in managing obesity.
‘While medication may offer temporary relief from the incessant thoughts about food, it does not address the underlying psychological and behavioural factors driving disordered eating patterns.
Dr Ossai suggested that individuals seeking to lose weight undertake the correct process in achieving the desired results.
Beneficial weight loss can be achieved through the guidance or supervision of professionals and the application of appropriate and adequate knowledge of the problem, including what food or what drinks to have, or not to have , and at what frequency, well as what types and amount of exercise to give the body”.
Quick Fix
Critics argue that Oprah’s promotion of weight loss drugs sends a dangerous message to vulnerable individuals, suggesting that medication is a quick fix for complex issues surrounding weight management.
Furthermore, her association with pharmaceutical companies raises concerns about conflicts of interest and the influence of profit-driven agendas on public health initiatives.
In response to the backlash, Oprah has defended her choice to use medication as a tool in her weight loss journey, emphasizing the importance of individualized approaches to health and wellness.
Not eating can also lead to severe malnutrition and may even permanently damage your organs, and bones, and lead to muscle wasting. Starving, in other words, can cause both physical and mental damage