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Celebrities Discuss Dangerous Weight Loss Techniques

By Hugh C. McBride

Eating disorders, poor body image, and a willingness to follow dangerous weight loss methods are prevalent in modern society. And though these conditions often result from a complex interplay between both internal and external factors, many experts have pointed to media images as among the most pervasive (and blame-worthy) influences in the effort to convince millions of young people and adults that their bodies aren't good enough.

From digitally altered photographs to "natural" physiques that result from obsessive exercise and round-the-clock care from teams of trainers and nutritionists, many of the celebrity bodies that we see on magazine covers, movie screens, and websites are neither real nor healthy. Yet this hasn't stopped untold numbers of consumers from subjecting their bodies to dangerous weight-control methods in what are destined to be failed attempts to re-shape their bodies into the image of their idols.

In recent weeks, two celebrities have given fans a peek into the dangerous reality that accompanies dramatic weight loss and unhealthy weight control.

'Not the Smartest Things in the World'

"I've done some things that probably weren't the smartest things in the world," model-turned-actress Natasha Henstridge said about her dangerous weight control methods in Amy Elisa Keith's June 1 article on the People magazine website.

Henstridge, who appeared on the cover of the French edition of Cosmopolitan when she was only 15 years old, told People that her unhealthy weight-control measures included taking pills, over-the-counter diet supplements, and herbal remedies.

Health experts and researchers have documented that diet pills, rapid weight loss supplements, and other "get slim quick" remedies are among the dangerous weight loss methods that can result in weight gains and a range of health problems. Though these techniques may appear to live up to their promises by leading to quick and dramatic weight loss, these losses are often followed by significant gains, which can leave the would-be dieter heavier than when she began, and frustrated with her failure to maintain a healthy weight.

In a June 3 article on the UK Medix News site, writer Jane Tucker reported that Henstridge's experiences with dangerous weight loss methods have led the actress to the conclusion that the only positive way to achieve and maintain a healthy weight is to follow a nutritious diet and get ample amounts of regular exercise:

At the time she thought that they were harmless but she now realizes that her metabolism has been permanently damaged as a result and that there is no substitute for healthy food and exercise.

She now follows a very healthy diet and has become a mountain bike fanatic which she claims has not only stabilized her physical size but also made her feel much happier about herself.

As both articles pointed out, adopting a healthy attitude toward diet, exercise, and her body doesn't mean that Henstridge is no longer experiencing the effects of her previous use of dangerous weight loss methods. "All of a sudden when you decide to go clean, things are changing in your body because you've done a bit of damage," she told People.

From Skeleton to Superhero – and Back

Most media reports on eating disorders, poor body image, or dangerous dieting focus on girls and young women, and the majority of celebrities who are held up as examples of "perfect bodies" (or who are criticized for not adhering to ultra-slim standards) are female as well. But that doesn't mean that men are immune from body criticism, poor self-image, or an inclination to engage in dangerous weight control methods.

In a May 29 interview with The Press Association, film star Christian Bale said he is through losing dramatic amounts of weight in order to play a character. Bale recently endured three significant weight swings for high-profile parts:

  1. He had to drop 63 pounds for the title role in "The Machinist." Bale's character, Trevor Reznik, has been described in the following terms: "He has had chronic insomnia for a year and has progressively lost weight to the point where he has become an emaciated skeleton"
  2. Following "The Machinist," Bale had to rapidly add both pounds and muscle in order to play the superhero Batman in the film "The Dark Knight."
  3. After finishing the Batman film, Bale had to embark on another significant weight loss effort in order to play a military prisoner of war in the film "Rescue Dawn."

"Everybody told me that I was risking my health the first time around, so [losing a large amount of weight in a short time] twice? I'm probably being an idiot," Bale told The Press Association.

Losing Weight the Right Way

Celebrities such as models and film stars may be placed under inordinate amounts of pressure to engage in dangerous weight control practices, and they may have more "help" losing weight than most people could expect to have, but that doesn't make them immune from the risks they are taking with their health.

Fans who attempt to emulate both the look of their favorite stars and the rapidity with which these celebrities appear to change their bodies are also placing themselves in danger. From the physical toll that repeated weight loss and gain can exert on the body to the emotional price that is paid by those who hop from one fad diet to the next, dangerous dieting can be an all-consuming (and universally threatening) experience.

But there is a better way. For example, at Structure House (a residential weight loss program in Durham, North Carolina), weight loss experts have been helping overweight men and women for more than three decades with an approach that emphasizes safety, health, and long-term success. The Structure House program is based upon four pillars – behavior modification, nutrition, exercise, and medical supervision – and is enhanced by private therapy and superior aftercare.

For overweight children, teenagers, and young adults, the Wellspring weight loss network features a number of highly effective health-based programs, including weight loss summer camps, residential weight loss academies for overweight students, adventure camps, and retreats. As with the Structure House approach, the Wellspring philosophy is based upon the belief that achieving and maintaining one's ideal weight needs to be accomplished in a safe and sustainable manner that involves a nutritious diet and regular exercise.

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