"THIN is in" and no one could believe otherwise. We all keep trying new diets and spend time on our treadmills, struggling hard to lose all the extra pounds or at least maintain our shapes. Many are the times when we wished we could turn off our appetites. We all dream about being able to eat anything we want without worrying about putting on weight. Life would be great if you could enjoy all the yummy food as you easily slide into your slinky jeans and teensy top.
When much of the media bombards us with the fact that much of the world is overweight, very little is said about those who are naturally slender. Nadia could not agree more. "It is funny when you try hard to gain a few pounds while everyone around you talks about dieting and losing weight. When I am around big women, I sometimes feel that I emphasize their problem. They glare at me and say ‘You don’t have to worry about that.’ In my opinion, controlling weight is a common problem and underweight people are no exception. Losing weight can be easily accomplished, sometimes by following a weight loss plan and some regular exercise. Gaining weight, on the other hand, is more difficult because you must increase your appetite in order to eat more."
Nadia, who is 163cm tall, weighs only 44 kilos and has tried many different ways to gain weight. From pills to natural remedies, it has only been a matter of time until she loses the weight she has gained. "A good night’s sleep may help me eat three full meals the next day but I never manage to keep my weight up. All my attempts have been to no avail. Everybody loves the image of a thin woman... I wish I were more curvaceous." Ironically, Nadia shops for bigger clothes in hopes of adding more weight in future.
For Nasreen, skinny has long been her middle name. Unlike other kids, she never liked candies or chocolate. She eats three meals a day but her eating habits are healthy by nature. "I tend to like white meat, fruit and veggies. When I think about increasing my weight, fattening food and desserts are highly recommended. I used to stuff myself with buttered popcorn every day but it was of no use."
For Nasreen, who wears size 32, shopping has never been easy. "All the clothes that I buy need alterations. Tailor-made clothes are a better option." There have been times when Nasreen resents her lean body but she has come to realize now that her thinness is a feature that many people would envy. "After years of hating my body and my bones that are sticking out, I have come to terms with being size 32. For example, the compliments I hear when I wear a bathing suit are flattering. Many shops now have sections for petite people like me. These things have helped me to accept my body as it is."
When thinness runs in a family the problem is even worse. "I have had such a hard time being naturally slim. It is so difficult getting clothes to fit you when you are this thin," said Hana who fits easily into size 34. "Just because I am thin it does not mean that I don’t eat. I scarf down everything you can imagine. I eat three main meals with snacks in between as well. But I have always been this thin."
Hana has made many efforts to gain weight. After consulting a doctor, multivitamins were prescribed as an appetite booster. Her weight went up but the shape of her body became distorted. "I gained weight only in some particular places and so decided not to continue. My friends’ comments are annoying sometimes but my husband is a very flattering person. My thinness does not seem to bother him and it is he who counts after all."
A few years ago, Hanouf’s weight dropped dramatically down to 39 kilos. "I have never been anorexic but my appetite can be so easily affected. When I sit with friends and colleagues, a lot of time is spent talking about dieting and I can never join in. I take it from there. Instead of moaning about my thinness, I started looking for some tablets to help me gain weight. I also discovered with the aid of my physical trainer that walking or exercising regularly helps me eat more. I eat four or five meals a day but the quantities are still relatively small. I tend to concentrate more on my sugar intake. I have succeeded in bringing my weight up to 50 kilos; it dropped a little afterward but I am still satisfied. I exercise now to get some curves. Big women say things to me like ‘I wish I was as thin as you’ or ‘You are so lucky you don’t have to face the humiliation of shopping for big clothes.’ Well, in a moment of truth, I am lucky and I feel my body is unique but I find shopping for clothes in my size much easier abroad."
Apparently, it is dreadful being unable to put on weight or, more important, keep it on. These women can make all of us aware that naturally thin people do indeed exist. And also often feel that they too have a weight problem.
