Tanorexia is a serious addiction characterized by the constant need to get a tan, often resulting in hours of sunbathing or tanning bed use. It is caused by the release of endorphins and opioids during the tanning process, leading to a high similar to other addictive habits. Tanorexics have body image issues and are at increased risk of skin cancer and other skin problems. Treatment is necessary to protect both their psyche and skin.
Tanorexia is a form of tanning addiction, characterized by the belief that one’s skin is never dark enough. The name of this condition is obviously meant to evoke anorexia, another form of body image disorder that causes people to constantly try to lose more weight, under the impression that they are heavier than they are supposed to be. reality. While the thought of a tanning addiction might sound ridiculous, tanning addictions and tanorexia are actually very serious problems.
Simply put, tanning addiction is a syndrome in which people feel a constant need to get a tan, just like smokers frequently crave cigarettes. Someone with a tan addiction can spend hours sunbathing or on tanning beds and may complain of a loss of tan after a few days of inclement weather. In some cases, the tanning schedule becomes so important that someone with a tanning addiction will refuse social engagements or lose their job to get a tan, and when someone with a tanning addiction tries to quit, they will experience withdrawal symptoms.
The cause of tanning addiction appears to be the release of endorphins and opioids during the tanning process. The body releases these chemicals in response to UV exposure, resulting in a kind of high similar to other addictive habits. Several psychological studies have focused on tanorexia and tanning addiction to explore the nature of these conditions, and these studies seem to suggest that people with tanning addiction do indeed need supportive care to quit, just as addicts do. of various substances and certain experiences.
Someone who has tanorexia has a very specific type of tanning addiction, compounded by body image issues. When a tanorexic looks in the mirror, he sees a body that is too pale, despite its real appearance. In essence, a deep disconnect separates the tanorexic from the mirror, leading to a search for more tan for the desired perfectly tanned appearance.
In addition to being detrimental to self-esteem and one’s social life, tanorexia is also very harmful to the body. Dark skin is damaged skin that forms in response to excessive radiation exposure, and people who tan frequently are at increased risk of skin cancer and other skin problems. They may also develop leathery, unsightly skin later in life as a response to excessive tanning, which in turn can cause body image issues. Due to the obvious health risks of tanorexia, people with this condition should seek treatment to protect their psyche and skin.
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