## Current Hot Topics | The Story Behind Anorexia: Awareness Needed for Extreme Weight Loss in Adolescents
### Introduction
In recent years, with the development and progress of society, people’s aesthetic concepts have been constantly changing. In this era that values appearance, more and more individuals are paying attention to their outward image, particularly being very concerned about their body shape. Being as thin as a lightning bolt has become an aesthetic pursuit for many. Some people go to extreme lengths to achieve their goal of looking thinner and more perfect, resorting to extreme dieting. However, these extreme weight loss behaviors hide significant health risks, potentially leading to severe mental illnesses such as anorexia.
Recently, a tragic incident caused by extreme weight loss has drawn significant attention from society. A 15-year-old girl, Xiao Ling, succumbed to the influence of the aesthetic of being “thin,” starting an extreme diet that resulted in obvious symptoms of anorexia. Ultimately, she sadly passed away due to organ failure and multiple organ damage. Such tragic events serve as a wake-up call, making people more acutely aware of the severe dangers of extreme weight loss. So, what exactly caused Xiao Ling to engage in extreme weight loss behavior? And how can similar tragedies be effectively prevented?
### 1. The Impact of Changing Aesthetic Standards on Adolescents
In today’s society, aesthetic standards have undergone a dramatic transformation, with thinness now regarded as beauty by the majority. Whether on campus or social media, photos depicting thin individuals consistently receive the most likes and become the center of attention. In such an environment, an increasing number of adolescents are influenced by the aesthetic of being “thin” and begin to develop negative feelings about their bodies, believing they are not thin enough, which leads to the desire to lose weight.
Once the thought of losing weight arises, some adolescents may resort to extreme measures to shed pounds, such as dieting to control their weight. They believe that only by becoming thin enough can they obtain the recognition and admiration of others, allowing them to stand out in this highly competitive society. They are often unaware of the significant harm that extreme weight loss can do to their bodies and fail to realize that they are quietly treading the path toward anorexia.
### 2. Anorexia Cannot Be Ignored; Attention Must Be Paid to Extreme Weight Loss
Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental illness where patients exhibit excessive concern over weight and body shape, engaging in extreme weight loss behaviors such as intentionally starving themselves and avoiding food. They feel they will never be thin enough and cannot accept their bodies, plunging them into severe emotional distress, which may lead to issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
Once symptoms of anorexia appear, patients’ safety is at great risk because prolonged malnutrition and extreme weight loss can lead to the failure of bodily functions and irreversible damage to various organs. Just like Xiao Ling, who was still a young girl, she left this world because of anorexia, bringing endless sadness and regret to her family.
We must recognize that anorexia is not a joke, nor is it something that can be overcome merely by willpower; it requires timely professional help and treatment. For adolescents who have started losing weight, we should provide them with sufficient love and understanding, promptly identify their potential psychological issues, and help them establish correct health concepts to fundamentally resolve their inner turmoil.
### 3. How to Effectively Prevent Extreme Weight Loss Behaviors in Adolescents
To effectively prevent tragedies like that of Xiao Ling from occurring, it is everyone’s responsibility to pay attention to the adolescents around us. We must start with ourselves to strive to change the aesthetic standards of those around us, promoting a healthy body image and aesthetic perspective.
Furthermore, schools and families should strengthen cooperation to jointly conduct education on body image and health.
