The only thing a girl cares about from the months of April through September is a UV above 6. There is something so overtly feminine about putting on a bikini, lathering up in tanning oil (and sunscreen), and laying out by the pool in order to soak up all the rays that your skin will gratefully (and ungratefully) accept. Oh yea, and … being skinny? Um, scratch that last idea.
We live in the year 2026, but if a time traveler from 1999 showed up, he would see no difference. Everyone is sooo skinny; I would go as far to describe them as emaciated. The rise of unprescribed GLP-1’s, the resurgence of heroin chic and eating disorders, as well as cutting mixes on TikTok shop drive this thought home. There is an obsession on social media with looking thin, fitting into AE’s 000 jeans, as well as being under 105lbs. If you did not know, this is widely unrealistic and unhealthy. As someone who has battled an ED and body confidence, the negative effects of this new fad drastically outweigh the benefit of being thin. Needless to say, Kate Moss was wrong, everything tastes better than skinny feels.
Fatigue and Weakness
This is one of the most common symptoms when you do not eat enough. Your body runs on calories as its main energy source, when you restrict, your body has nothing to power itself on. You may not feel overtly sleepy, but your muscles will weaken and your body will feel exhausted. On a similar, yet slightly different note, when your body does not get sufficient energy from food, it starts taking energy from the subcutaneous fat tissue (lowest layer of your skin). It is composed of stored fat cells. Your body takes energy from these cells when food is short, but this is only meant to occur for a short period of time (Eating Disorder Resources). When you constantly restrict yourself, the layer of cells shrinks, making you look like skin and bones, not toned.
Loss of Menstration
More often than not, inadequate fuel can lead to a loss of menstruation (amenorrhea). This is due to hormonal disruptions because of malnutrition and energy imbalance (Health Hub). When calories consumed is below average for a prolonged period of time, your reproductive hormones shut off in order to conserve energy. In normality, the hypothalamus releases gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), stimulating the pituitary gland to secrete luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulation hormone (FSH). These hormones prompt the ovaries to produce estrogen which thickens the uterine lining triggering menstruation when an egg is not implanted. In malnutrition, GnRH release is disrupted, leading directly to an absence of your period.
Now, every girl wishes for her period to disappear, myself included, but it is one of the best indicators of health. Way back in the day, I am talking about the 1800’s and 1900’s, women’s health was determined by the regularity of menstruation. It serves as a symbol that everything is working great in your body.
Long-term effects of a prolonged loss of menstruation include low bone density/osteoporosis, infertility, and hormonal imbalances. It is possible to regain your period once you have lost it. It can be a difficult process to regain your period, but the easiest solution is weight restoration and nutritional rehabilitation. It takes between 4-6 months after regaining a healthy body weight for your period to return on average. It will remain irregular and inconsistent for a few months after the fact as your body is trying to regulate hormones again – this also means that you may not ovulate during the period of regulation (Equip Health).
Gastrointestinal Issues
Unprescribed use of GLP-1’s have a wide range of side effects, but gastrointestinal issues are the most prevalent. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain are quite common. This may seem small, but nausea can be debilitating. Can you imagine walking around everyday with an intense feeling like you could throw up at any moment? I know I sure can not.
This is a side-note, but it is important to note that taking unprescribed GLP-1’s takes resources away from those who actually need it. My father is a diabetic and takes GLP-1’s in order to keep his blood sugar low. I would hate for him to not have access to medication he needs because someone wants to lose 10lbs quickly. Not to mention, when you stop taking GLP-1’s, you gain all the weight you lost back (and then some).
Toxic diet culture is a major issue in our society. It is imperative that we promote body positivity (because every body is beautiful), especially as women. Our bodies are amazing, we can literally grow an entire other human inside of us. You only get one vessel so you must take care of it.
So, with this summer coming up and bikini season on the horizon, I urge you to accept your body and embrace it. I promise that the only person judging you in that cute bathing suit is yourself (and you look amazing in it might I add). With that being said, grab that bikini and eat that snack!
On a separate note, if you are struggling please reach out; professionals want to help. Listed below are a few numbers to call if you want to talk to someone.
Mental Health Hotline: 1-800-950-NAMI(6264)
Eating Disorders Hotline: 1-800-931-2237 or text 741741