The other day, I saw an article about the complexion obsession in India.There’s one more prominent issue in Indian girls- the obsession for the “Perfect Hourglass Figure.” According to the official survey conducted by the State of South Carolina -“8 million Americans have an eating disorder – of which seven million are women and one million are men.” And now this weight obsession has crept into India as well thanks to the globalisation, the technical boom and the new face of fashion !
You see those reed-thin actresses and models wearing fashionable clothes – you want to wear them – because they are portrayed as cool.You go to a social gathering, want to take part in some public event-you got to look ultra glam and sexy- which is not possible if you’re FAT- because you wont get your favorite attire.
Also the peer pressure starts working. Sometimes you just want to grab the attention of that handsome guy- but he ignores you! The other times – in your friend circle, unintentionally, you become the most vulnerable one when it comes to make fun of.You want acceptance hence you will stand all of it-though at times you might be embarrassed or hurt.
And last but not the least- the society- which doesn’t accept fat girls. We all know how Aishwarya, Kareena and Sonakshi faced criticism for being fat. But the society does accept Fardeen Khan, Cyrus Broacha and Ram Kapoor. Not only that, when you see Indian matrimonial ads-you will read ” wanted slim beautiful bride” !! You are a girl of marriageable age and you’re fat- is enough for giving your parents sleepless nights!
Talking about the effects it is having on the youth today. Low self esteem, eating disorders, consumption of dangerous pills/medicines ( which claim they will make you thinner), risky surgeries/operations and over-abuse(by exercise) of your body leading to health problems are just some of them.In extreme cases it may also lead to suicidal tendencies.
We seem to ignore the fact, that no fat person is fat because they wanted to.There might be a medical reason, heredity factor, stress or just an unhealthy lifestyle.And not always a fat person is unfit ! Sometimes they might do things which slim people cant.
Before I conclude,I want to say-
To the Girls – you are beautiful, the way you are – you are the genesis of life, you are perfect ! Live the life the way you want. Its difficult but you have to learn-not to care about what XYZ says! Love yourself !
To the Peer groups – No-one’s perfect, not even you ! Accept the person the way she is! Put yourself in her shoes, before you utter something.
To the Media-You are the face of the nation, you influence the youth, Please act socially responsible.
To the Society- Its high-time;look at the beauty that’s SKIN deep !
About me- I am just another DARK FAT GIRL ! ?