On World Health Day, doctors in the UAE are raising concern about eating disorders that often remain unnoticed until they become severe.
For many, the struggle begins quietly. Poorna Ghosh, an Abu Dhabi resident, recalls how constant remarks about her appearance shaped her self-image during school. Despite being slim, she was made to feel inadequate, which gradually led her to skip meals and severely restrict her diet.
What followed was a decline in her physical and mental health. She experienced fatigue, breathlessness, and repeated fainting spells, eventually requiring hospitalisation and a long recovery process. Even after treatment, rebuilding a healthy relationship with food took significant time.
Today, Ghosh speaks out against casual body-shaming labels, emphasising how deeply such comments can affect individuals. Experts say eating disorders are rarely just about appearance. They are complex conditions influenced by emotional, psychological, and social factors.
Doctors stress that early recognition and support are critical, as the signs are often subtle and the emotional scars are not immediately visible.
