Dying to be thin ...
Hi Zhou Ling
How are you? I haven't heard from you for weeks. Is everything OK with you?
Do you still go to the gym every day? I used to go to the gym three times a week, but I don't work out any more. I know another way to stay slim. Looking good is important to women, isn't it? Most young women want a slim figure these days, especially here in Canada. I'm trying to lose weight because I'm so ashamed of my body. Since I'm preparing to act in a new TV show, I'm taking weight-loss pills called Fat-Less, which are quite popular among young women here. I hope to lose at least 10 kilograms. I take two pills a day and don't need to exercise.
The pills really work! I'm becoming slimmer and slimmer. I've lost 7 kilograms in the last two months. However, sometimes I don't feel so energetic. My mother, who you met last year, keeps telling me not to take them because they are dangerous. She says health is the most important thing, and I agree, but then I look so slim at the moment.
Write soon!
Love
Amy
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Dear Zhou Ling
Things change so quickly! I'm now in hospital recovering from liver failure. I regret taking those weight-loss pills. They contain a harmful chemical that caused my liver to fail. The pills were going to completely destroy my liver if I continued taking them. My mother insisted on sending me to the hospital, where I received good medical treatment.
It was a really painful experience, but I'm feeling better now. I follow my doctor's advice and exercise for at least half an hour every day (but I seldom go to the gym!), and eat lots of fruit and vegetables. People should look after their bodies. My mother is right: don't damage your health for a slim and attractive figure. It isn't worth it. We shouldn't be ashamed of the way we look, should we?
I hope to hear from you soon.
Love
Amy
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Dear Amy
My computer was broken so I couldn't read your two e-mails until today. I'm so sorry to hear about your problem, but I'm glad you're feeling better and are recovering.
You're right. We shouldn't be embarrassed about our weight. I think you look great as you are, and you're a wonderful person. I know that the pressure to stay slim is a problem, especially for an actress. However, your mother knows best: nothing is more important than health.
It's the same in China—many people, some of whom are not overweight at all, are always going on a diet or taking weight-loss pills, which are often dangerous. I hope they can learn from your story.
Love
Zhou Ling