In India, Bollywood hottie Kareena Kapoor sparked the craze for size zero after she reportedly lost eight kilos to acquire a bikini body for Tashan in 2007.
While celebs like her can take pride in setting a trend, for young followers there could be health hazards. Building strong bones is particularly important for women, as they are three times more likely to develop osteoporosis and suffer up to three times more hip fractures than men. Actress Gul Panag points out, "Size zero has sparked low self-esteem issues, resulting in bulimia, anorexia and body dysmorphic disorders. Looking thin is like being a poster girl for sickness and bad health. I believe it's more important to be fit than be thin and look sick." Former Miss India Parvathy Omanakuttan agrees with Gul."The term size zero is a gimmick to sell certain products in the market."
Fitness experts point out that size zero is unhealthy and not many are aware of what it really implies. "Size zero refers to maintaining a slim figure. Do the right kind of exercises under the guidance of a certified trainer and have the right kind of food that can help you acquire a slim figure. Simply aping superstars and trying to be a size zero is something no sensible person will support," concludes fitness expert Dinaz Vervatwala.Unhealthy fad
In early 2006, Brazilian model Ana Carolina Reston, 21, died of anorexia on the eve of a Paris photoshoot after living on a diet of apples and tomatoes
Actress Nicole Richie was reported to have collapsed on set. Citing dehydration, she has tried in vain to quench rumours that she suffered from malnutrition.
And there are numerous other cases that can be stated.. so instead of craving for size zero try out for being fit...
