UAE girls shun food to look skinny: Study

Increasing rate of obesity levels in the UAE is a much talked about topic but equally worrisome is the number of children and teenagers, especially girls, who are turning away from food just to look thin or as they say ‘good’.

Research reveals that adolescents as well as university students in the country have been affected by eating disorders and here are some statics that are quite alarming.

Around one-fourth of the secondary school girls in the UAE have disordered eating attitudes and behaviours, according to a previous study by Eapen, Mabroul, & Othman.

Another study in Sharjah shows that 37.8 per cent of school girls aged 15-18 had attitudes that indicated or could lead to an eating disorder.

And, those who starve or limit their food intake to look good are not just girls. Male adolescents, too, can become trapped into this vicious habit of shunning food to lose weight and look like those perceived as attractive.

According to Human Relations Institute & Clinics, Dubai, anorexia or bulimia, are the two main types of eating disorders experienced by both women and men and people cling on these to look skinny.

Those who suffer from anorexia maintain a low body weight and have an obsessive fear of gaining weight. People affected by bulimia have a tendency to binge and then purge the food by vomiting to avoid weight gain.

Dr. Thoraiya Kanafani, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Clinical Services at the institute, say social and psychological factors are the root cause of these two eating disorders.

“The most common social factor that increases the development of an eating disorder is social pressure. Parents, friends, or partners can cause pressure for a person to watch their weight and obsess about the way they look,” Dr. Thoraiya explained.

“These appearance-obsessed individuals make it more difficult for a person to avoid the pressure of losing weight. Furthermore, individuals who are bullied and picked on due to their weight or body shape are also at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder.”

But, these problems can be dealt with a lot of support from family, friends and parents. “Do not discuss what they look like or try to convince them they are beautiful. Instead, focus on feelings and relationships. Avoid placing blame, criticizing, or judging their previous eating behaviour,” she advises.

“Address the complexity of the issue and what the concerns are. Help the person increase self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth through praise, encouragement, and support.

Educate them about the reality of the unrealistic perceptions of beauty in the media. Furthermore, discuss the myths of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ food and teach them the truth about health and the consequences on a person’s body if they are not healthy,” she adds.

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