How unauthorized weight-loss products fool you: A guide to survival
The weight loss industry is constantly expanding its border and ascending to its peak. Unfortunately for decades, society has considered body size, shape or weight to often judge and measure one's worth.
It is 2020 and still, we are dealing with this issue where instead of eradicating these misguided beliefs youngsters are falling victim to the trend of fitting into the restricting body standards set by various advertisements appearing in magazines, online or television.
These young minds are being forced to compare themselves with models having different body types or even different lifestyles altogether who are claiming to be benefitted by such products which apparently have helped them in magically reducing their weight within a week.
Bushra Tasnim, a student of the University of Dhaka, shared her opinion on the continuously booming industry by saying, "I think body-shaming and insecurity about our own physiques led to this unauthorized thriving business. Teens, especially girls with a distorted version of beautification always go for accessible and handy options irrespective of eventual fatality in the long run being influenced by eye-catchy advertisements."
They are promoting different kinds of harmful products including various sorts of teas, diet pills and medicinal supplements infused with pernicious ingredients to give people false hope.
Advertisements are making profits out of people's insecurities where the associates are considering themselves to be in charge of determining what shape or size is perfect for people without having any prior knowledge whatsoever regarding this aspect.
Lack of business ethics is making them implement such wrong notion and embed unrealistic expectation among customers by promising them instant result regarding accelerating their weight loss knowing fully well that these products will not function as promised and will bless them with damaging side effects in the long term.
Abdus Salam Shawn, a student of the University of Dhaka, talked about it by pointing out how he found the proliferation of deceptive advertisements for weight loss products to be ridiculous where people in the desperate hope of shedding some kilos overlook all the warning signs putting their health at risk and pay no heed to their internal voices or instincts hoping for immediate results while the fraudulent sellers get to profit from their insecurities.
The side effects of consuming such products might not be immediately obvious; however, eventually will become apparent where one can even develop an eating disorder along with numerous other chronic diseases.
One needs to understand that if obesity or overweight is creating hindrance in the functioning and the professionals are suggesting one to lose weight, then definitely one should pay attention to the body's needs.
If one learns about any particular option which one is willing to try, then verifying it from a professional healthcare provider instead of blindly believing or following certain advertisements just because they are great at boasting would be the best option.
According to the dietician and founder of Ruslan's Studio Mr Ruslan Hossain, most of the advertised products are some sorts of gimmicks claiming they will help one lose a certain amount of weight within a few days. However, in reality, they cannot guarantee anything as there is no scientific evidence to back their dramatic claims of burning off extra fat. It is impossible unless one's diet and workout regime are on track.
When asked about the risk factors associated with taking such products, he inserted that although the side effects will be subjective depending on what product or mainly which substance is one consuming, unauthorized products will cause deterioration of health along with other severe health complications due to the absence of authenticity while these might even contain banned substances.
Moreover, he emphasized the importance of seeking professional guidance where the expert can assess one's lifestyle, conduct required tests, study the human body and then recommend products catering to individual bodily needs. He lastly suggested that people should track and count their calorie intake first before consuming the over-the-counter products which are campaigned or advertised only to increase sales.
Though people's minds are changing gradually, it can convey the message of hope for the adolescents who already have so much on their plates; be it their career, future plans or deciding what contribution they can make to the society.
They do not need another unnecessary pressure from their surroundings that weakens their confidence to conquer the world. One should not starve oneself or constantly feel guilty while enjoying one's favourite food to get some applause from people who have kept their hands tied intentionally!
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