Who hasn’t seen the pictures of Nicole Kidman, Victoria Beckham and numerous super models who are all highlighted in the press for weight loss? How does being so thin really affect your health?

Psychologists suggest that the need to be skinny stems from psychological troubles. It becomes the only thing they can actually control, by limiting how much they eat.

Some scientists believe most people who have eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia actually lack a brain chemical called Serotonin. It controls moods.

Serotonin is also lacking in people who are depressed. Most research has identified that people with eating disorders generally are unhappy.

The side effects

Bones/Muscles

• Calcium and protein loss can cause Osteoporosis, thus increasing bone fractures
• Major muscles start to wither

Kidneys

• Wetting the bed is common
• The potential of kidney stones

Skin/hair

• Head hair will thin and start to fall out
• Body hair will appear. Trying to keep the body warm
• Dehydration will occur, causing fingers and toes to get very cold

Heart

• Due to a lack of fluid, blood pressure is likely to lower causing palpitations, faintness and dizziness
• Muscle waste can cause heart failure

Brain

• Memory Loss
• Depression
• The potential for epileptic fits
• Limited concentration

Intestinal System

• Constipation
• The stomach goes into starvation mode

The list goes on and on. So the next time you look with green eyes at a superstar, think, "Do I really want to potentially have just one of the problems mentioned above?"

Yes, I agree for most of us that are overweight the above is a great excuse for not dieting but remember itÕs all about self esteem; you have either got it or do something about it that is sensible.