The zero effect!

 

 

The role models Slim girls have never required to try too hard with grabbing the eyeballs – be it those of guys or the glamour industry. Bipasha Basu had greatly reduced to sport a bikini with élan in Dhoom 2; Aishwarya Rai’s figure for the same movie had won her back the ‘hot’ title and Esha Deol’s effort on her abs didn’t go unnoticed either. But it was Kareena Kapoor’s new look with the trimmed-to-perfection body in Tashan that gave birth to this renewed frenzy in the form of size zero. Though it didn’t quite get the cash registers ringing for the movie, Bebo did succeed in increasing her fan base manifold. Fat chance A gaggle of giggling teenage girls in a “happening” restaurant might introduce you to their means and motives on perfect figures and fitness. Ruchika, a first year commerce student had almost given up food to reduce weight. “I was unhappy with my body and wanted to look like those thin girls who can fit into anything. I did not really follow the size zero fad but yes, I desperately wanted to get thinner,” says Ruchika. Under her mom’s watchful eyes, Ruchika had but to gulp down her breakfast, but her lunch was doled away to friends. And dinner, after a few bites, quietly thrown away. “I continued this for weeks and could feel a little change in my body. But I also felt drowsy most of the time and low on energy. My mom noticed this and got me checked by the doctor,” narrated Ruchika who had to be put on drip for three days. Ruchika’s friend Gagan had not attempted this foolish trick but harped on a desperate desire to attain the slim figure. “I know what I did wasn’t the right way,” lamented Ruchika and then suggested in chorus, “We’ll join the gym!” Sadly, losing weight is not enough; losing it quickly is what they want. Much like many other ambitions of this generation. From the expert Dr Sonika, a diet consultant from Dr Shikha Sharma’s clinic has encountered quite a few cases of anorexia especially among growing girls. “Anorexia can be attributed to stress but in some cases that I have seen, stress has not been the cause of giving up food. It is competition to look slimmer that makes girls take such steps,” said Dr Sonika. Cutting down on diet for a few months and then switching back to the regular diet adds double the amount lost to the body. She goes on to say that, “Those who go on a dieting program are given a diet chart which constitutes all the nutrition required for a healthy body. This is done after we have tested the customer’s blood group and body constitution. This diet chart helps a person lose weight in a few months but after which follow up and maintenance programs are done. Weight loss by dieting has a medical procedure to it. And girls feel that just quitting food would do the job.” She warns, “Girls should not try all the useless tactics to lose weight especially in growing up years. It results in loss of stamina, the probability of falling ill is higher; it affects the skin and leads to health problems like fatigue, indigestion and weak bones.” Got it girls? Instead of the ‘thin’ mantra, staying fit with regular exercise and healthy meals is a better idea. The biz word Some want to shed the flab for self-satisfaction, while some others aspire to be a part of that world where vital stats reign. Siddharth, a ramp model, asserts, “A good looking face, toned body and attitude is what’s required in this business. There are a lot of naturally thin – and lucky – models, who haven’t starved themselves to attain that. Rigorous workouts are still a part of their daily routine though.” Payal, also a ramp model, adds, “Designers also look for curves in the body. A lean structure isn’t what they really want. We obviously have to keep a check on our weight but also have to keep a greater check on healthy eating to keep the glow on our faces.” Alternatives Usha Chengappa from Bharat Thakur’s Artistic Yoga Institute has seen an increase in the number of girls joining yoga after size zero being touted as the new must-have. “Yoga not just helps one lose weight, but also works on glands, increases metabolism rate and improves digestion. A normal workout only focuses on toning the muscles, but yoga works on all-round health and energy levels of a person,” explained Usha. So rather than depriving yourselves of |delectable food, find time for some calisthenics, to begin with. “Eat but don’t stuff yourself. And exercise regularly, even a one hour brisk walk is good,” recommends Usha.

So girls, get ready to get gorgeous the good way!