In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged among young girls seeking to attain a certain body image: the use of weight gain pills in the pursuit of a curvier and more mature appearance.
While the desire to fit into current beauty standards is understandable, the risks associated with such practices are significant.
The desire to look a certain way, often fuelled by social media, pop culture, and peer pressure, can lead young girls to make drastic decisions regarding their appearance. A common aspiration is to achieve a curvier and more mature figure, which is often equated with attractiveness and self-worth. This can lead to the use of weight gain pills to quicken the process.
However, there are dangers associated to the use of weight gain pills because it’s not subject to same level of regulation as medications, which means that their safety and efficacy are uncertain.
Young girls who use these pills may be unaware of the potential risks they are taking because it has various side effects including digestive and hormonal imbalance and cardiovascular issues, these side effects can be particularly harmful for young individuals whose bodies are still developing.
The psychological impact is another angle to consider. The pursuit of an unrealistic body can take a toll on one’s mental health. These young girls may express anxiety, depression and low self-esteem if they’re unable to achieve the desired results or face criticism from others. Some weight gain pills may lead to dependency or addiction, as individuals may feel compelled to keep using them to maintain their perceived ideal body shape.
Speaking on the long-term health consequences of weight gain pills, a professional in the medical field whose name is withheld because of the sensitivity of the issue, said weight gain products may contain ingredients that have adverse effects on one’s health such as increased blood pressure, liver damage,digestive issues, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. People with heart disease may have an increased risk of arrhythmias; and people who are sensitive to herbs may be allergic to the additives in weight gain pills, leading to symptoms of asthma, rashes, and anaphylaxis.
Using weight gain pills and products without proper guidance can have potential long-term consequences. Relying on pills or products for weight gain may lead to a dependency, making it challenging to maintain weight without continuous use.
She went further to say that depending solely on supplements can result in nutritional imbalances, as whole foods provide a broader spectrum of essential nutrients.
Some products may affect metabolism, potentially leading to long-term changes in how one’s body processes and stores nutrients.
The medical profession added that constant reliance on external products for weight gain might impact one’s psychological well-being, contributing to an unhealthy body image or dependency on external aids.
It’s crucial to approach weight gain in a balanced way, focusing on a combination of a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and consulting with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance.
But there are also concerns about potential health problems that could arise in life.
To stay safe, the professional said young people should consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to develop a balanced eating plan that supports healthy weight gain or maintenance.
She encouraged young girls to embrace their unique body types and to focus on self-confidence and self-acceptance rather than striving for unrealistic ideals, exercise regularly as regular activity can improve overall health.
