Expert says slimming clinics must assume some responsibility for the potential mental health repercussions for their clients
PETALING JAYA: If you’re a city dweller in Malaysia, you might have noticed one or two slimming clinics popping up around your neighbourhood. In fact, their advertisements are likely flooding your social media pages.
According to Spherical Insights, a reputed market research and industry consulting firm, the worldwide market size of this industry in 2021 was valued at approximately RM446.36 billion. It is projected to reach a whopping RM1494.29 billion by 2030.
Each slimming clinic operates differently and has their own techniques. In general, however, many of these procedures are non-invasive and require no surgery. The techniques could include anything from an infrared laser that promotes muscle contraction, to a cellulite-sculpting cream.
In the Aesthetic Medical Practice guidelines published by the Ministry of Health, Director General of Health Malaysia, Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah stated: “We recognise the growing trend of the population, in not only wanting to stay healthy but also aesthetically pleasant”. He also stated that “aesthetic medical practice is not risk-free as many may perceive”.
According to social psychologist Dr. Goh Pei Hwa, there is no shame in wanting to lose a few kilos. “Why do we present ourselves differently on different occasions? Because it matters,” said Goh.
However, this isn’t as black and white as it may seem. “On one hand, these slimming centers are offering a solution. People want to look slimmer, and they might not have the time or resources to exercise and eat healthily.”
According to social psychologist Dr Goh Pei Hwa, there is no shame in wanting to lose a few kilos. “Why do we present ourselves differently on different occasions? Because it matters,” said Goh.
However, this isn’t as black and white as it may seem. “On one hand, these slimming centres are offering a solution. People want to look slimmer, and they might not have the time or resources to exercise and eat healthily.”
She further stated that while slimming clinics alone do not cause body image issues, they can add to them by preying on vulnerable individuals and suggesting unnecessary procedures to maintain a repeat customer base.
“Just imagine what happens when you visit a facial spa. You might have just gone in for a simple massage, but they then reel you in to try other treatments, to get rid of your acne or to minimise your pores. So, you can only imagine what goes on at these slimming clinics.”
This, she said, can ultimately worsen how one feels about their body.
President of the Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA) Dr Andrew Mohanraj, said that being thin is not necessarily the gold standard.
“In fact, individuals could become thin as a result of suffering from eating disorders. Those suffering from depression and anxiety can also appear thin.”
Mohanraj said that the rise of slimming clinics in the country has been fuelled by the media’s glorification of ultra-thin models. “Advertisers and producers of these slimming products have therefore capitalised on this perception.”
He also recognised that negative remarks from friends or family, as well as on social media, also contribute to this phenomenon.
Members of the Malaysia Fat Squad, a community that supports the rights and well-being of fat people, also weighed in on the issue.
“As fat people, we are treated terribly. There’s no surprise there. So, I can understand why some may feel the need to look slimmer. The compliments that rush in when you lose weight are highly validating,” admitted Kirath.
However, she stressed that one’s physical appearance never remained the same. “If I were to constantly change my body according to the beauty standard, then I would be mentally exhausted.”
Ratna, 42, said she believed that dimple thighs and cellulite were natural body forms. “The desire to be thin, fair, smooth, hairless are all a consequence of upholding colonial and white beauty standards.” So, when such slimming centres encourage you to get rid of these features, it perpetuates that old school of thought, she added.
What now?
Mohanraj stated that it is crucial to educate slimming clinics on the potential psychological issues that their clients may have, and for them to take responsibility for the worsening mental health of some of their clients.
“It isn’t unusual for responsible aesthetic clinics overseas to require psychological assessment before agreeing to certain procedures on their clients,” he said.
He further stressed that seeking mental health support was an effective way to ensure that body image does not compromise physical health.
“Ultimately, people need to understand that their body is just one part of them, and there are many other things that matter in life,” said Goh.
She is confident that with education and awareness, people can change their perception of beauty standards gradually.
Dr. Andrew Mohanraj 