Where to draw the line in the quest for beauty?

Obesity is probably the only American trait that is not pervading beautiful Indonesia. In fact, women just get slimmer and slimmer every day -- it seems to be a national obsession.

Step into any of the new, trendy gyms sprouting up across the city, and you will see women of all ages going at treadmills or grooving at aerobics classes with fervor similar to hound dogs when exposed to fresh meat. All in the name of good health?

Sorry, health loses out to beauty.

Sure, it's fabulous that women exercise -- good for the heart, muscles, etc. But when exercise is just one step in the whole procedure of turning oneself into a living, breathing, palpable (of extreme importance) goddess, the merits die down.

The quest begins in parlors and gyms, but when age and nature take their toll and desperation sets in, a nip and tuck or pills are common resorts. To those aghast at the thought of plastic surgery (this term sounds too grave, so "nip/tuck" is the going term), get over it -- nip/tuck has gone mainstream.

Botox to expunge wrinkles, a couple of shots to eradicate excess flab, collagen for luscious pouty lips, laser for silky skin; all these and more are now available in Jakarta.

In fact, list down all your physical flaws and nip tuck (ever reliable) will find the remedy at a clinic near you.

The cost might have kept the non-filthy rich at bay in the past. But alas, when demand goes up, prices go down -- and bigger breasts are now available at the cost of a Fendi bag. Now think, which is a more profitable investment?

Gold diggers might agree that the former opens up a wealth of resources to afford the latter. In fact, changing one's appearance is an obsession caught by women of all classes.

The other day my maid asked me to buy her a popular whitening lotion -- she dislikes her skin color. While not on the same level as Whacko Jacko's medically aided, 180 degrees color change, every one seems to want a makeover. It's not contained to those with excess time and funds -- "looking beautiful" is the pursuit of everybody.

So what's wrong with being beautiful, especially with readily available resources? The real question is not that but more so, where do we draw the line?

Hey, we are women, and as the "fairer sex" it is our duty (and held very dear) to find fault, but when we no longer have to live with our faults, do we let science erase nature's work?

This is a world of appearances. Beauty unveils a myriad of opportunities, and maybe I am too idealistic for this day and age. Even so, I do not believe experiencing the syringe or knife is worth these opportunities.

It is excruciatingly difficult to be true to yourself today and nip/tuck gives a perfect excuse not to. But what you look like is your identity and when you abandon it for a Carmen Electra-meets Angelina Jolie hybrid, you lose an integral part of your individuality.

Maybe when cellulite makes its mark and things head south, I will change my mind, but aging gracefully and adoring your however ugly, natural self is beautiful in its own right.

Besides, the plastic surgery industry could use a slow down -- it's about time wealth was put to better use.

-- Sherry Samtani