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SALT LAKE CITY - There is currently a belief among many mothers that they need to be very thin. I am seeing more and more women. mothers of several children, who are so thin it seems impossible to be healthy — and it is.
Whether mothers or not, we as women feel we need to be thin to be pretty. Perhaps [an article](<a href=>) posted on MotherPie.com a few years back says it best by asking the question: Is this a mirror of deeper problems on a cultural level reflecting a state of confusion existing for females regarding roles, expectations, image, emotional wellbeing and beauty?
"What everyday women are seeing on the TV and movie screens is not real. It is not normal for mothers to be so thin their bodies resemble their pre-teen or teenage year's sizes."
I think it is.
A recent [Fox News article](<a href=>) highlighted how rampant the problem is among Hollywood stars. Experts say the practice of destructive dieting within the industry itself is only getting worse.
“It is such an image-conscious industry. I find more and more women and men are utilizing whatever they can do to try and stay thin. People are looking for a quick and easy way to cheat,” Dr. Reef Karim, director of The Control Center told Fox News.
What everyday women are seeing on the TV and movie screens is not real. It is not normal for mothers to be so thin their bodies resemble their pre-teen or teenage year’s sizes.
As we age, our metabolism slows no matter what we do. It is part of the aging process. Typically, each time a woman has a child her metabolism will slow more. At the age of 30 to 35, most women start packing on weight for no apparent reason. This is normal.
I am very concerned when I see a young mother of several children in the community who is truly wearing size 4 or smaller. This is not healthy. These young mothers are going to extreme length to stay thin and perfect.
Many of these women will over exercise to keep this low weight; some will stop eating, some will go on fad diets, some have surgical interventions, and some use drugs like anti-depressants, methamphetamines, speed, etc.
This I see among all religions, financial incomes, and communities; and in many cases, husbands are not helping. When men focus on the desire to have a slim and perfect wife, it negatively supports their companion’s unrealistic size.
Now, I am not saying gain weight and let yourself go. What I am saying is be real. If you continue to be an unhealthy weight - whether it be overweight or underweight - you are putting yourself at risk. In reality, maintaining this unhealty lifestyle means you could be just one illness away from death.
My general rule is if you are built like a St. Bernard you should not look like a poodle. If you are built like a poodle you should not look like a St. Bernard.
Suzanne Carlile, "Nurse Suzy," has been a nurse since 1982. Her main focus is critical care and nursing education. She holds a master's degree in nursing, is a Certified Emergency Nurse, and a member of NNSDO Intermountain West Chapter.
