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Don't get obsessed with body shape, try to be healthy

It is good to pursue healthy habits, have a healthy body, but we must understand it is not always about the perfect shape.

The opinion piece - Are fitness apps letting women down? (KT, June 9) made very relevant and logical reasoning regarding the usage of fitness apps among women. Apart from handing in private information it increases the tendency to become obsessional to the extent that it deprives people of the simple pleasures of living. These apps, which are majorly designed by men adhere to the patriarchal norms of body image, are taking the fun out of the whole process of getting fit. They are in fact mounting pressure on women to look their best and aim for unachievable feminine body ideals. The fashion and fitness industry use these fitness apps to keep women addictive leading to mental health issues that are detrimental to the well-being of women in general.
It is good to pursue healthy habits, have a healthy body, but we must understand it is not always about the perfect shape. Every body type is different, and so are food habits that lead to particular body shapes, and it is fine. Many fitness apps while trying to make us health conscious are commercial traps for those who wish to have the so-called ideal body. Women must realise that without sound mind sound body does not exist. Therefore, a balanced approach in this regard would preserve the sanity of women.
-Latha Narasimhan, Sharjah