Kareena Kapoor may or may not be size zero, but the idea has definitely struck a chord at the dying-to-be-westernized Indian. There would be very few of us who would actually know what exactly does size zero imply in the fashion industry, but, that doesn't stop us from buying Shilpa Shetty's yoga CDs or joining some obscure power yoga sessions by amateurs.
My idea here is hardly to applaud or criticize the whirlwind phenomenon, much has been already written and spoken about it. I would, however, like to focus on the growing sense of insecurity among youth and middle agers because of their "look".
In the past 5 years, the number of health clubs and Gyms have increased at least 10 times. Besides, these regular and sweaty methods, there is also another class of health "specialists" who claim to tone your body via more relaxing methods. It is a different story that going by the amount they charge for their services, one is most likely to feel "lighter". And, for the class aparts, there are medical procedures like Liposuction et all.How, effective are these in long or short run is anybody's guess.
Again, this obsession with a "good figure" is not new. Our society has always been biased towards the 36-24-36 kinda female. Yes, this obsession catching up with the male species is fairly new. But, is it so important to have a beautiful body? Doesn't a more sane and healthy mind deserve more attention than a mere well toned body? Why is it that glamor has taken over our minds and soul and we've forgotten who we really are. How far is it correct to alter with your basic metabolism via syringes to look forever young?
We, as a society have forgotten to believe in healthy bodies. Children no longer are crazy for sweets, young moms are thriving on sugar substitutes, Ghee has vanished from the new age modular kitchens. In spite of all this, the rate of obesity is on a higher side. A deeper understanding would reveal that moving away from our good old granny's ways has only given us health problems. random diets across the country have only led famished faces.
We must, first of all,learn to accept ourselves before we accept the way "others" have looked. There is no point in starving oneself to death just as there is no point in over-stuffing oneself. You must master yourself. Beauty lies in being comfortable is one's own skin. Let's be ourselves, we are a beautiful country, lets believe so.

Welcome Nidhi to eti, nice to see you sharing your views on eti.

Well I agree with you that one should focus on healthy living rather than curved bodies. But one should remeber that overall we do not eat a food which is perfect, be it poori, samosa aur biryani. Our granny emphasis more on Ghee which is almost deadly for one if he is living an iactive life.

What I think is that this passion for good shaped bodies is good, atleast people are doing something for themselves.But I see masses are not concrned about a healthy life but ofcourse they want good looks. From my point of view, if you are living a healthy life, you will automatically get good looks. Going for shortcuts looks lucrative to all but its not healthy living.

Its said "no pain no gain"..just today when I was walking in my neighbourhood, I saw couple boys, may be 2-3 yrs younger than me but none of them was there who can be considered healthy. All were seriously underweight yet belonging to wealthy part of soceity.Then I see some smoking around the corner. This is not the way to gain something.

So before criticing the passion of few for good looks by any mean we should first that how many actually are concerned for healthy living?

Most people are interested in shape of body not health.
This quote is still relevant.

The best six doctors anywhere
And no one can deny it
Are sunshine, water, rest, and air
Exercise and diet.
These six will gladly you attend
If only you are willing
Your mind they'll ease
Your will they'll mend
And charge you not a shilling.
~Nursery rhyme quoted by Wayne Fields, What the River Knows, 1990

Excellent discussion folks!

Great health and figure is ofcourse desirable, but the problem is... 'beauty standards' set by film and media etc are very unrealistic and Detrimental to health.

How can someone so thin as 24 be called healthy?
Do your yoga and Gym everyday, but set realistic goals.
Also treat your brain with some reading and meditation.

Well its very good discussion going on...

Wanna include my points :-

Avoiding healthy meal from your diet chart is really not good... One should eat healthy as well do yoga meditation also...

Because Now days Poeple dont have time to cook something healthy or something nutritious .. . so they usually what hey got in the food cafe , office canteen etc etc...

if they will not took those food which oily, non healthy foods , like samosa , break pakaro , chowmin etc etc... They have skip their meal that is more dangerous ? Right.

Apart of it now days every things is chemically grown items... it can be vegetables , fruits etc...

So what to eat or whats not is a big deal...

Secondly being underweight is not good as same as being a patient.

So try to eat healthy and do regular exercise can it be gym exercise or Yoga!