Vanity and Insanity

The Trinity University and the University of the West of England surveyed almost 1,000 women,whose ages ranged from 18-87,to ascertain the significance of “old talk” compared to “fat talk”. The results showed that both “fat talk” and “old talk” occurred throughout women’s lives,but usually the talk of being “too old” increased with age. It was found that “old talk” was particularly associated with body dissatisfaction in women 46 years and older. Dr Carolyn Black Becker,who led this study,noted,“Until now,most research has focused on the negative effects of the ‘thin-ideal’,in younger women,but we need to remember that the ‘thin-ideal’ is also a young-ideal which,as our results show,becomes increasingly important to negative body image as women age.”

Dr Jyothi Shetty explained that body dissatisfaction is becoming an overwhelming trend. “There are severe eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia,to lesser forms such as a general discontent with one’s appearance. Overdoing gym,botox and plastic surgery can also be seen as a symptom of dissatisfaction. We also see younger adolescents and pre-teens preoccupied with body type,weight and looks,which reflects their family perceptions and attitudes; apart from peer-pressure and media exposure.”

She added that this can be a result of,or even result in,low self-esteem and lack of self-confidence. “Substance abuse,metabolic problems and side-effects of treatments to deal with weight loss or gain,are some of the fallout of this problem. Since we live in an increasingly visual age,body dissatisfaction has increased. Weight still remains a preoccupation with a small percentage being concerned with aging too,” she said.

Offering a different perspective to body dissatisfaction,Dr Ramesh Ranka said body dissatisfaction can in certain cases be helpful. “We see obese patients quite often and some of them have bone and joint problems. Weight needs to be looked at and sometimes body dissatisfaction helps in people being more careful about their weight. As for age,surgery is never the answer. While there are some safe procedures to help,one should be comfortable in the skin they’re in,” said Dr Ranka.

Encouraging city’s women to not lose the joy of life basis mere numbers,Pune-based nutritionist Rita Date said,“Age is just a number. In today’s world,40 is the new 20 and 60 is the new 40. People have more confidence. Yes,obesity is a major crisis in our country,so we need to remember to eat healthy and exercise. Size zero is never an option because it is just as unhealthy. Indian women were meant to have curves and not be skinny.”