It is a well-known fact that teenagers have a lot of pressure when it comes to their appearance. Young girls, in particular, strive to have a fit and toned body and will do anything to achieve it, no matter how dangerous it may be.

In 2013, a story broke out about a teenager named Lizzie Velasquez who survived on just 10 calories daily for over a year. It’s an alarming case that alarmed the world and shed light on the dangerous extent young teenagers can go to lose weight.

Who is Lizzie Velasquez?

Lizzie Velasquez was born on March 13, 1989, in Austin, Texas, and was diagnosed with a rare condition known as Neonatal Progeroid Syndrome.

It’s a genetic condition that affects many parts of the body, including the skin, bones, and blood vessels. The condition makes it difficult for Lizzie to gain weight and causes her skin to wrinkle and sag.

With her weight and appearance as a target of constant bullying and criticism, Lizzie struggled to cope with the constant pressure of society. She turned to extreme measures to lose weight and began surviving on a mere 10 calories per day.

How Did She Survive?

Surviving on such minimal calories is only possible for a short amount of time, and it’s a miracle Lizzie was able to do so for over a year.

When asked how she managed to survive, Lizzie said that she ate mainly raw vegetables and fruits in small portions throughout the day. She also drank plenty of water and tea to fill up her stomach and curb her hunger.

However, despite her efforts, Lizzie’s health began to suffer, and she was forced to become vigilant about her health to avoid severe consequences.

What are the Dangers of Surviving on Just 10 Calories Per Day?

Surviving on such low calories can be detrimental to one’s health, especially for someone as young as Lizzie. Some of the dangers of surviving on 10 calories per day include;.

Dehydration
Nutritional Deficiencies
Muscle Wasting
Organ Damage
Stunted growth and development

Continuously consuming such a low-calorie count can lead to starvation mode, where the body begins to break down muscles for energy and stores fat—the opposite of what someone trying to lose weight would want.

What Can We Learn from Lizzie’s Story?

Lizzie’s story is a testament to the extent young teenagers will go to achieve the ideal body. Unfortunately, many young girls feel inadequate due to societal pressures and ultimately endanger their health to meet these standards.

It’s crucial to promote a healthy body image and emphasize the importance of good nutrition and exercise over weight loss.

Parents, educators, and health professionals should work together to create a safe and positive environment where teenagers can thrive without feeling the need to alter their bodies to meet unrealistic expectations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lizzie Velasquez’s story is both a warning and a call to action. Surviving on just 10 calories per day is dangerous and should never be a recommended method of losing weight.

Teenagers should be encouraged to love their bodies for what they are and focus on being healthy, rather than skinny.