The Price of Being Thin

We've all seen the pictures of Victoria Beckham's dramatic post-birth weight loss, and she's not alone in the shrinking celebs stakes. How does being so skinny affect your health?

It's been widely suggested that the need to be overly thin stems from psychological trouble, as the victim attempts to find a solution by limiting how much food they eat. In many cases, this is the only thing in their lives they can control.

Scientists believe that those at risk of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia lack the brain chemical serotonin, which controls moods. It is also lacking in people who are depressed. Research indicates that people with eating disorders tend to have an unhappy mental state.

Side-effects of extreme dieting

Skin and hair
The hair on the head will start to thin and then fall out
At the same time, body hair will increase. This hair will have the downy texture of a baby's, as the body tries to find a way to insulate itself against its falling temperature
In addition, the skin will be extremely dehydrated, and the circulation inadequate - the hands and feet may even turn blue

Periods
Periods generally become few and far between and may even stop altogether
There may also be problems with conceiving. This may be one reason why skinny celebs like Nicole Kidman have adopted, rather than had their own children, even though Nicole is said to be desperate for a baby of her own
Teenagers may be lacking in oestrogen (the female hormone) and this can produce a delay in the formation of secondary sexual characteristics

Heart/blood vessels
Blood pressure can fall as a result of inadequate levels of fluid in the blood. This can lead to faintness, dizziness and palpitations
The heart muscle can waste away, which can result in eventual heart failure

Metabolism
Blood sugar levels plunge and this may cause faintness and in some cases, loss of consciousness
A high cholesterol level leads to heart disease
The liver fails to function efficiently
Little or no excess fat leads to a fall in body temperature and a constant feeling of being cold

Nutrition
As the body's vitamin and mineral levels fall, low amounts of potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc and calcium can cause an abnormal heartbeat
Low protein levels causes ankles to swell

Muscles/bones
The muscles in the upper arms and legs start to deteriorate
Protein loss in the bones and calcium deficiency leads to osteoporosis and greater risk of fractured bones

Brain power
Poor concentration
Recurrent depression
Low calcium intake instigates epileptic fits in some people

Kidneys
Kidneys stones can occur
Passing urine involuntarily during the night is not uncommon

Gastro-intestinal system
Emptying of the stomach slows down
Constipation is a common complaint

The list of unwelcome, and frankly rather scary, health problems associated with creating the oh-so-skinny body, is a reminder of the huge risks that some stars are taking.

Lindsay Lohan pledged to put some weight back on after being disappointed about how much her cleavage deflated along with her shocking weight loss. She hired a personal trainer to help her and has reportedly gone up two dress sizes. However, she is one of the few celebrities who has chosen to act and for every Lindsay Lohan there's a Nicole Ritchie who's prepared to starve her body.

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