‘Summer body’ obsession can destroy a healthy human body
Experts are concerned by those who become obsessed with getting into shape for summer…
Soon local public gymnasiums will be flooded by South Africans who want to participate in the “summer bodies” adventure, writes Godfrey Sigwela.
It is alleged that during the summer season people begin ‘fighting’ with their bodies – desperately wanting to lose weight in order to gain that so-called attractive summer season look.
Among the gruelling things people do is starve themselves or eat a special diet, and become obsessed with excessive gym and exercises.
However, health experts are greatly concerned about these summer bodies’ challenge.
One such health expert is Peta-Lyn Foot. She is a manager at the Centre of Psychotherapy Excellence (COPE) and an occupational therapist at Netcare Akeso Crescent Clinic in Randburg.
Foot regards the summer body obsession as being elusive and says it’s an unattainable standard. It can result in eating disorders and other behaviours masquerading as healthy practices.
According to Foot, there is a trend among younger age groups towards excessive exercising matched with restrictive diets to encourage weight loss.
She indicated that some males like to bulk up and become very muscular and toned.
All these summer body tactics are regarded as a way of torturing the human body.
She says for example, commitment to daily exercise has numerous benefits. However if someone who is not a professional athlete is dedicating hours daily to exercise, then it’s not always beneficial.
And when people are constantly thinking and planning around their fitness regime, this may indicate a mental health concern.
“If you think that you or a loved one may be at risk of an eating disorder or other mental health concern associated with physical appearance, consult your therapist or healthcare practitioner,” she says.
By Godfrey Sigwela