Recently, an article caught my attention. I believe talking about this topic can help many people who are struggling with their current weight or having trouble facing their self-image.

On May 2, socialite Kim Kardashian gave an interview to People magazine, saying she had gone on a crash diet. The big challenge was getting into a dress and, for that, it was necessary to race against the clock and lose seven kilograms in three weeks. To achieve this audacious goal, she went carb-free and sugar-free for 21 days.

Many may look at a story like this and feel inspired to do the same, especially when you have a momentary goal or one that is not long-term or involves moving to a healthy lifestyle. A restriction of carbohydrates can bring serious damage to the metabolic system. For many, this is a common strategy for those looking to lose weight quickly because without the energy provided by carbs, the body starts to burn fat.

Now, what is usually not discussed is the damage to health that crazy and “effective” diets bring. The absence of carbohydrates causes metabolic changes, leading the body to save energy and, later, sabotage this entire weight loss process. Quick weight loss seems like a miracle solution, but then it has a very bad rebound effect. In the long term, restrictive diets can cause intestinal changes, shake the immune system, alter mood, and cause serious health problems in people who have a preexisting disease.

Food x The Mirror

We shouldn't go on fad diets just to get into an outfit or attend a certain event. The priority needs to be the real benefit of having a healthy and balanced life and self-image. Not every standard of beauty is synonymous with a healthy life. A constant search to fit a mold can end up causing a person to have an eating disorder.

An eating disorder is a set of diseases that change the pattern of food consumption of a person, causing that individual's health to be impaired. Some examples are anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. And unfortunately, a change in the pattern of eating behavior is more common than you might think.

These changes can cause emotional damage and affect people's quality of life. Who has never seen an image on the internet and immediately compared themselves? You may not have run to the mirror, but that image stuck in your mind. Currently, many have suffered from Imaging Disorder or Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Just by the name, we can see the disturbance of self-image is not something simple.

BDD is a mental condition related to an exaggerated preoccupation with one's own image. This body dysmorphia causes the person to be deeply uncomfortable with imaginary or trivial defects in their body. It is a disorder that is difficult to diagnose, as it is seen by many as excessive vanity.

If, after reading this article, you see yourself in any of these situations, look for a nutritionist or doctor or talk to your psychologist. Say how you have been feeling about these points. Our Creator made us with a lot of love and affection and designed every detail of our being. If you are experiencing difficulties with your self-image or your physical condition is making you sick, you need to get help as soon as possible!

Don't forget that a transformation or change in habits doesn't happen overnight. Persistence and patience are essential and will be your great allies in this new phase of life—a phase that will not be momentary or punctual but effective and lasting, as our God planned.

This article was originally published on the South American Division’s news site