Tanorexia: the Little-Known Addiction to UV Tanning

Shimmering bronze skin, a signature mark of sun-kissed holidays, has become an addiction for some. This post explores ‘tanorexia’, a term coined to describe an unhealthy obsession with achieving and maintaining tanned skin. From understanding its symptoms to discussing the adverse health effects, we delve into this lesser-known addiction that plagues an estimated 4% of the general population.

What is Tanorexia ?

Defining Tanorexia

Tanorexia, colloquially known as bronze mania, is a behavioral addiction where individuals feel compelled to perpetually maintain a bronzed complexion. This obsession extends beyond natural sunlight exposure, often leading individuals to indulge in harmful ultraviolet (UV) tanning beds.

The Prevalence of Tanning Addiction

Studies suggest that tanorexic behavior affects around 4% of the general population. The percentage escalates drastically among those who visit UV tanning booths, with reports indicating up to 33% prevalence. Women aged 15-35 years suffering from poor body image and associated psychological issues like anxiety or depression are more susceptible to tanorexia than men.

As we further explore tanorexia’s nuances, let’s identify some alarming symptoms associated with this addiction.

The Alarming Symptoms of Tanning Addiction

Tanning Dependence: a UV Shooting Gallery

Experts often liken tanning addiction to being in a ‘UV shooting gallery’. Tanorexics seek immediate gratification from their tanning sessions, similar to drug addicts seeking their next high. This harmful pursuit can lead to repetitive behavior, severe health consequences, and loss of control.

Tanorexia: not Yet Officially Recognized

Though not officially recognized in international classifications, increasing research focuses on tanorexia as an addictive disorder. Risk factors include starting tanning at a young age, familial history of tanning addiction, excessive unprotected solar exposure, and using UV tanning booths early in life.

Understanding the symptoms is crucial, but it’s also essential to comprehend how damaging this obsession can be to one’s skin health.

The Real Dangers of Tanorexia for Skin Health

Premature Aging and Skin Cancers

Tanorexic behavior can lead to significant health risks. Excessive UV exposure induces premature skin aging and increases the risk of developing skin cancer, including the dangerous melanoma.

Before we delve into strategies to combat tanorexia, let’s first understand why it might be necessary.

Strategies and Treatments to Overcome Tanorexia

Spreading Awareness about Tanning Risks

Raising awareness about the potential risks associated with tanning addiction is critical. Promoting healthy sun-exposure behaviors can help prevent the detrimental health effects of tanorexia.

To wrap things up, let’s have a brief recap of what we’ve covered.

Evidently, tanorexia or ‘bronze mania’ isn’t just a harmless pursuit of a sun-kissed glow. It’s an intricate issue intertwining physical health risks like premature aging and skin cancers with psychological components such as body image issues and other mental health disorders. By raising awareness and promoting healthier attitudes towards sun exposure, we can hopefully mitigate the impact of this bronzed obsession.