Written by In the race to achieve the “perfect body,” teenage girls across the world are falling into a dangerous trap one that can cost them their health, happiness, and even their lives. Social media, peer pressure, and unrealistic beauty standards have fueled a silent epidemic where young girls push their bodies beyond limits in pursuit of a body ideal that is often unattainable. While weight loss in itself is not a bad thing, the way many teenagers are going about it is alarming. The Psychological Impact of Body Image Obsession Teenagers are in a crucial stage of self-discovery, yet they are bombarded with images of airbrushed models, fitness influencers, and celebrities who appear flawless. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok promote “thinspo” (thin inspiration) and extreme diet trends that glorify unhealthy weight loss methods. This creates a toxic mindset where girls feel they are never “good enough.” Studies show that teenage girls who constantly compare themselves to unrealistic beauty standards are at a higher risk of developing depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. The fear of being judged for their body shape leads to low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and, in extreme cases, self-harm. Many girls suffer in silence, battling the emotional turmoil of wanting to fit in while struggling with their self-worth. Dangerous Dieting and Starvation: The Silent Killers To lose weight quickly, many teenage girls switch to drastic diets, some of which are life-threatening. The most common yet dangerous methods include: 1. Starvation and Extreme Calorie Restriction Many girls eat as little as 300–500 calories a day, believing that “less is more.” The reality? Their bodies start shutting down. Without enough calories, the body enters survival mode, slowing metabolism, weakening the immune system, and leading to dizziness, hair loss, and heart problems. 2. The “Hot Water Diet” and Detox Dangers One of the most dangerous trends is the consumption of excessive hot water to “burn fat.” Many believe that drinking only hot water for days will flush out fat, but in reality, it leads to severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and organ failure. Tragically, a teenage girl in Kerala recently lost her life after following this extreme method. 3. Overuse of Weight Loss Supplements and Pills Desperate for quick results, many turn to unregulated weight loss pills and teas, believing they are harmless. However, most of these products contain harmful chemicals, laxatives, and even stimulants that can cause heart palpitations, liver damage, and addiction. The Physical and Mental Consequences The consequences of these dangerous weight loss practices go beyond just feeling weak or dizzy. They can have long-term effects that follow these girls into adulthood. 1. Hormonal Imbalances and Reproductive Issues Extreme dieting disrupts hormone production, leading to irregular periods or complete loss of menstruation (amenorrhea). In the long run, this can cause infertility and osteoporosis, making the bones brittle and prone to fractures. 2. Organ Damage and Heart Failure When the body is starved for long periods, it starts breaking down muscles—including the heart. Many girls who follow extreme diets end up with cardiac issues, some of which can be fatal. 3. The Vicious Cycle of Eating Disorders What starts as an innocent attempt to lose weight can spiral into full-blown eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia. These conditions are incredibly difficult to recover from and often require years of therapy and medical intervention. The Role of Society and Parents The pressure to be thin doesn’t just come from social media; sometimes, it starts at home. Comments from parents or relatives about weight, even if unintentional, can deeply impact a teenage girl’s self-esteem. Schools and families need to create an environment where health is prioritized over appearance. At the same time, social media platforms must take responsibility for the dangerous trends they promote. Algorithms that push harmful diet culture must be challenged, and content that glorifies extreme weight loss should be regulated. Final Thoughts: A Call for Change Weight loss is not the enemy, but the obsession with it is. Teenage girls deserve to grow up in a world where they are valued for more than their body size. It’s time to break the cycle of unrealistic beauty standards and teach young girls that health is not about being skinny it’s about being strong, nourished, and happy. The next time a teenage girl looks in the mirror, she should see confidence, not shame. And it is up to all of us parents, teachers, friends, and society to ensure that happens. Keep reading Foramz for your daily dose of emotional support
Written by Mira
From the moment a beautiful woman steps into a room, all eyes turn to her. Strangers steal glances, some openly stares, some smile, smirk in creepy ways. Some look at them with hungry eyes like a predator. Some make assumptions solely on the looks of the woman. While society glorifies beauty, rarely does it acknowledge the psychological weight that comes with it. Many assume that being naturally attractive is an automatic confidence booster. However, self-confidence is an inner trait that requires self-work, and external validation can often feel more like a burden than an asset. The constant scrutiny that beautiful women face can lead to anxiety, discomfort, and even a sense of alienation. Imagine walking home on a busy street filled with people returning from work–men, women, and children all moving about. Despite the bustling environment, an attractive woman finds herself the subject of unsettling attention. She is scanned from head to toe by creepy stares, making her feel objectified rather than seen as a person. This is a reality many women endure daily, and it creates a sense of vulnerability and unease. This feeling of always being watched by people creates a sense of pressure an expectation to always look perfect act a certain way or live up to ideals projected onto the person. In today’s professional landscape, women continue to break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and redefine success. However, for women who are perceived as conventionally attractive, the workplace can present a unique set of challenges. While beauty is often celebrated in society, it can also become a double-edged sword in professional settings, leading to biases, stereotypes, and unfair treatment. Women are often objectified as sources of gaining sexual pleasure. Sexual remarks are made on women and rape cases are everyday statistics today. Beyond the workplace, the objectification of women extends into daily life. Women are often viewed as sources of sexual pleasure rather than individuals with dreams, ambitions, and intellect. Sexual remarks, catcalling, and harassment have become normalized to the extent that many women feel unsafe in public spaces. Rape and sexual assault statistics continue to be alarming, highlighting the dangerous consequences of a society that prioritizes physical beauty over personal agency. While beauty is often considered an advantage, it carries its own set of burdens that society seldom acknowledges. The constant scrutiny, the pressure to meet expectations, workplace biases, and the reality of objectification create a challenging experience for many women. It is essential to foster awareness and challenge the cultural norms that perpetuate these struggles. True progress lies in appreciating individuals beyond their physical appearance and creating an environment where women are valued for their talents, intellect, and character rather than just their looks. While beauty is perceived as a blessing, it comes with its own set of woes that society hardly ever considers. The relentless criticism, the burden of expectation, biases in the workplace, and the harsh truth of objectification make it a difficult ride for most women. It is imperative to create awareness and challenge the cultural standards that fuel these challenges. Real progress is finding beauty in individuals beyond their external appearance and cultivating a society in which women are appreciated for their abilities, intellect, and qualities and not necessarily their physical attraction. This is Foramz.com and in the next part, we will be discussing how women face scrutiny under the public eye and are judged.