Cult of the Body Beautiful: At What Cost?

The 2012 article examines the societal pressures to achieve an ideal body image and the associated health risks. It notes an increase in body dissatisfaction among both genders, with women aiming to be thinner and men desiring more muscle. The role of advertising in promoting unrealistic body standards is highlighted, along with the Spanish law aimed at protecting minors from harmful commercials. The article discusses disorders like anorexia, bulimia, bigorexia, and tanorexia, emphasizing the dangers of UV exposure and the illegal use of melanotan I and II. It also addresses the risks of anabolic steroids and ergogenic substances, which can cause adverse effects such as acne and male pattern baldness. The use of supplements and herbal remedies is critiqued for their potential risks and misleading marketing. The prevalence of eating disorders like anorexia (0.5-1%) and bulimia (2-5%) is mentioned, along with their high mortality rates for anorexia (4-10%). The article also reviews the risks of cosmetic procedures and concludes with a call for education to counteract the obsession with physical perfection and the associated health risks.