 | | 6 / 7 The health risks of being too thin
But while Hollywood seems to be preoccupied with thinness, health experts are warning about the dangerous obsession with weight, which can lead to eating disorders including anorexia and bulimia, and ultimately even death. Heart problems are a key factor in why a large proportion of anorexia sufferers require hospitalization or ultimately die.
For those who don't already have children, being super skinny can damage fertility as it's less likely that periods will be regular and they may disappear altogether if a woman is unhealthily underweight. Ovulation can also be affected, which can further hinder the chances of getting pregnant. Osteoporosis (brittle bones) and iron deficiency anemia are possible complications, especially if the right vitamins and nutrients aren't being consumed. The hair can also become a victim as many women who are extremely thin find that it falls out or becomes much thinner. It's common for a "downy" layer of hair to grow on the body as a means of insulation if there isn't enough fat to do the job.
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