Dreaming of a Perfect Body Leads to Hair Loss and Binge Eating Disorder... Warning of 'Body Profile' Aftereffects

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Se-eun] As the season of increased interest in weight loss approaches summer, the body profile craze, which celebrates a healthy body achieved through successful dieting, is expected to be hot again this year. Amid this trend, concerns have been raised about the need to be cautious of excessive weight loss or overexertion during exercise.

The "body profile," which captures the physique sculpted through exercise like a model, used to be exclusive to celebrities, sports stars, and bodybuilders.

However, as some influencers began taking on the challenge as part of self-management, body profiles have become a trend among the MZ generation. The increased interest in health following the COVID-19 pandemic is also cited as a background for this trend.

However, for ordinary people, preparing for a body profile shoot without proper caution can lead to side effects caused by excessive exercise, so care is needed.

When preparing for a body profile, men generally aim for a body fat percentage below 9%, and women below 15%. The normal body fat percentage is 15-20% for men and 20-25% for women.

If essential nutrients such as sodium, fat, and carbohydrates are inadequately consumed for several months to manage body fat, it can cause significant strain on the body. For women, menstrual irregularities or amenorrhea are considered the most significant side effects. In addition, diet obsession, binge eating disorder, anorexia, dizziness, hair loss, and skin diseases may also occur.

Moreover, exercising beyond usual levels can cause varicose veins or arthritis.

Especially during high-intensity exercises such as strength training, the lower body bears the brunt of the effort, which increases pressure on the legs and impedes blood circulation.

Knee pain should also be watched for. Incorrect posture during exercises like squats or weightlifting can place excessive weight on the knees, causing serious strain.

The shoulder, a weak joint, is also one of the areas prone to serious injury. The shoulder is the only joint capable of 360-degree rotation, but this also makes it unstable. Lifting weights beyond one’s capacity can damage muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Experts recommend beginners to exercise with accurate posture by seeking help from videos or trainers. They also advise pursuing sustainable dieting with a healthy diet rather than aiming for rapid weight loss.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.