For the purposes of a role, some actors go so far as to radically transform their bodies. This is the case of actor Tahar Rahim, who recently lost 22 kilos for the needs of the film “Alpha“. Metamorphoses that are not uncommon in the artistic environment, where the image is a real working tool. But behind the performance and artistic commitment requires such a role, such a significant weight loss can lead to serious health risks. Julie Boët, dietician-nutritionist, lists these dangers.
Dazzling weight loss
Very dug, exposed ribs, jaw (very) drawn … A few months ago, actor Tahar Rahim appeared very emaciated. A physical transformation, which the actor explains: for the needs of the film “Alpha”, Leïla Bekhti’s husband had to play the role of a drug addict. As a result, he chose to follow … a drastic diet.
In an interview with AFP transcribed by France 24, the actor explains having concretely “lost more than 20 kilos“In”Three or four months“.”At the beginning, you have the slab, you have the slab all the time. Afterwards, this hunger gives way to something else“, he specifies.
A dazzling weight loss, closely followed by a cardiologist, a nutritionist and a bio-nutritionist … but which does not remain trivial.
Such physical changes “are not trivial”
Faced with the actor’s ultra-fast weight loss, Julie Boët says she is worried.
“Such physical changes are not trivial”, she confides to us. “Admittedly, on the sets, these extreme losses or gain are often framed by medical and nutritional teams. But in real life, reproducing these methods may include serious risks”, she alerts.
Physiologically, such a significant weight loss in a short time can lead to:
- A slowdown in metabolism: “The body adapts to the restriction by spending less energy, which makes it more difficult to maintain the long -term weight”;
- A hormonal imbalance: “With the key the decline in certain sex hormones, disturbances of cortisol, an impact on the thyroid …”;
- A loss of muscle mass: “If the loss is rapid and poorly framed, the body draws from the muscles, decreasing strength and increasing the risk of injury”;
- A weakening of the bone system and cartilages :: “This includes fewer nutrients to maintain bones and an increased risk of joint pain”;
- General fatigue and decrease in immunity “”due to a lack of vitamins, minerals and available energy. “
So many health arguments, which must everyone push to control – and supervise – their weight loss. “”These transformations, when they are necessary for a role or a sporting performance, must absolutely be accompanied by a doctor, a dietitian and sometimes a physical trainer, with strict follow -up“, Recalls Julie Boët.
A lasting weight loss is not cinema!
On the other hand, for a person who wishes to lose weight only for aesthetic reasons, the way to favor remains a slow and progressive loss:
- Respect a moderate calorie deficit;
- Maintain a sufficient protein intake to preserve muscle mass;
- Practice regular physical activity, including muscle and cardio strengthening;
- Ensure a varied intake of vitamins, minerals and good fats;
- Being accompanied by a health professional to avoid deficiencies and preserve psychological balance.
“The human body is not an accessory for filming if you are not an actor: it deserves time, benevolence and a rhythm that respects its physiology”, concludes the expert.