Anorexia & models
31 January 2007 at 4:10 pm | In Career, Fashion, Health | 42 CommentsTyra Banks said in the rerun of ANTM Cycle 4, “I would love to be the one to change the fashion modeling industry now. But I can’t. You are thin but the industry is strict.” Or something like that. She meant to make it in the fashion world, you still have to be thinner than normal people’s thin.
The 1st model who died from anorexia was Luisel Ramos, reported to have adopted a diet of lettuce leaves and Diet Coke for the three months before her death.
The Age – Survival of the thinnest
Daily Mail – This is the model who sparked size zero debate
Daily Mail – The scandal of our starving models
Then, another thin model died – Ana Carolina Reston, a Brazilian model who was more famous than Luisa, weighted at 40 kilograms (88 lbs.), measured 1.72 m (5 feet 7 inches) and had been hospitalized since October 25 for kidney malfunction due to anorexia nervosa and bulimia, which included a diet consisting only of apples and tomatoes.
New AIDS Review – Mind over matter – unto death?
Models Blog – Brazilian fashion model dies of anorexia!!!
Soon, major fashion houses in Madrid and Brazil suggested and implemented rules and guidelines for models on catwalk. Some fashion critics dismissed the hoo haa, claiming, “Where? Madrid?” as Madrid isn’t known as the big 5 cities in fashion- London, New York, Paris, Milan and Tokyo. However, almost everyone who read about this would blog about it, including yours truly.
Fashion models & celebrities have always been blamed by the society – parents, teachers, media, politicians, even other fashion models themselves – for encouraging anorexia and bulimia. Looking good sells. Clothes do look better on slim models than fat models, unless the model has hour-glass figure. But it really depends on the cutting and personality.
Let’s face it – fashion magazines edit ‘flaws’ from their photos to the effect that most pictures appeared to be air-brushed. And some figures are slimmed down, like Kate Winslet in a GQ cover back in 2003. Heh, even GQ’s editor admitted they edited pictures of her, as well as other personalities who appeared in GQ.
BBC – Magazine admits airbrushing Winslet
Media Awareness Network – Real Beauty in Magazines
CBS News – Extremely Perfect – Stars Reveal They Are Far From Perfect
Greg’s Digital Archive – View touchups (rollover your mouse)
There are studies which showed that males prefer females with 0.7 waist/hip ratio because it looks more attractive (and sexy?). So really, a lot of women have issues with their belly. It doesn’t matter if you have small boobs, if you have a small waist, you’ll still look great.
Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia nervosa are different. Both are eating disorder. More females are affected than males but males are catching up as males place more importance on looking good than before. Even Karl Lagerfeld trimmed his body and designed slim-cut suits than regular cut suits.
Anorexia is the inability or refusal to maintain one’s body weight through starvation, pills, purging and/or increased activity (like going to the gym everyday for more hours than needed). Very few food in, lots of food out.
Bulimia includes binge eating and then purging (vomit or shit) to remove the just eaten food. Usually done in private. Lots of food in, lots of food out too.
American Psychological Association – Is anorexia nervosa genetic?
Gisele Bunchen, the Supermodel from Brazil defended the fashion industry:
“I never suffered from this problem (anorexia) because I had a very strong family base. Parents are responsible, not the fashion industry,” she said in the Friday edition of O Globo newspaper.
“In fashion I felt accepted,” she said. “I never felt lonely because I always relied on my family.”
Last October, famed Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld denied that anorexia is a problem among models.
“We don’t see anorexic (girls),” he told Reuters. “The girls are skinny. They have skinny bones.”
US Magazine – Gisele Blames Families, Wrong Genes for Anorexia
What she said was true too. If you have really strong base in your ability, confidence and health, you wouldn’t make yourself sick to get jobs and be popular.
What Karl said was funny. I have small bones, extremely small for my arms and when I’m thin, my arms look thinner, like under developed adult.
Tyra, one of the most famous black models was toned and slim during her heyday. Yet, if you see her last catwalk for Victoria’s Secret, you’ll notice that she’s among the biggest model there.
Nicky Santoro – 10th Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (part II)
Izabel Goulart, Naomi Campbell, Karolina Kurkova, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Gisele Bundchen, Adriana Lima, Selita Ebanks and Alessandra Ambrosio
It’s not because she’s fat but other younger models are thinner and less voluptous. She gained weight in a recent holiday and her pictures were splattered all over gossip celebrities magazines – giving a new topic in her The Tyra Banks Show.
Sky Showbiz – Tyra’s weight gain
People – COVER STORY: Tyra Banks Speaks Out About Her Weight
Who likes to be called fat? It’s degrading. And who likes to be called a waif like Kate Moss, who started the waif wave? There are people who want to gain weight and meat but just couldn’t no matter how much they eat.
Do you have a healthy body image? How tough is your self-love and confidence?
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Pingback by More action to protect models « Love This! Style is always in — 11 July 2007 #
I’m a psychiatrist who has worked with people with eating disorders in the past.
It is known in the psychiatric community that western society’s image of beauty does have a direct impact on the prevalence of anorexia. Anorexia is known to be primarily a disorder of developed nations like the US. When you take women from other countries to the west they can become susceptible to anorexia or when you take western ideals of beauty to those countries you will see the rates of anorexia increase.
Also, generally anorexia is seen as a disorder of young teenage girls which makes it something of a developmental disorder.
The disorder itself carries the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder.
There are many other co-morbid psychiatric conditions that are often seen with this disorder, such as depression, substance abuse, and anxiety disorders. It is usually seen in perfectionistic and obsessive personality types, though there is no significant predilections towards personality disorder, many people who suffer from eating disorders often carry a personality disorder diagnosis, generally borderline personality or narcisstic. However, since personality is generally developed through the early years, a stable personality pattern can only be determined after early adulthood.
However, generally, people with eating disorders have more difficulty getting and staying close to others in my opinion, and that is problematic since that is a key point to their recovery.
It is a very serious condition. I think our society needs to change its outlook on what we value. Since society puts its emphasis on external beauty and money, it is no surprise that people are dying, as other aspects of human development that would counter act this are neglected.
As a country we need to look more carefully how we socialize our children and how we live our lives spiritually.
The disorder itself is very complex and psychiatry has a long way to go before it understands it fully. One of the things that makes it so complex and difficult to treat is that the prolonged fasting state alters blood chemistry and the hormonal patterns of the person, making normal psychological adjustment that much more difficult to stabilize.
From a psychodynamic point of view it is often described as a disorder that involves “control” issues, however I believe it is a genetic disorder that predisposes people, who under the right stressful circumstances, will resort to this disorder as a coping mechanism. It can become a life long pattern for coping with stress.
Comment by Dr. I — 27 February 2008 #
I have been bulemic, anorexic and I also suffer Body Dysmorphic Disorder BDD. I personally cured myself but they tend to come back when I’m in love or I want to impress someone or I wan’t to get something. I am a perfectionist, I don’t get along with people and im depressed and also sort of a narcisistic.
But I am getting better mentally and emotionally as well as physicaslly now. Bcoz I know that physical beauty is not just important thing to consider.I develop my character, my inner beauty and spirituality. My love for myself and the world cures me.
Comment by Virgilio Luib — 8 April 2008 #
people only go anorexic and bullemic because they want attention
they could get better they just want people to feel sorry for them
Comment by jem — 20 June 2008 #
-this is for jem-
you have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about. do some research before you make up strange theories. anorexia and bulimia are both SERIOUS MENTAL DISORDERS, not games.
Comment by Liana — 21 June 2009 #
jem
i can see where you are coming from as yes sometimes it is annoying to be around someone with an eating disorder as they can drain you with their self pity BUT it is not as simple as that. like liana said it is a mental illness so please try to not make such dry and vile accusations. like life- its not simple!
Comment by sa — 5 October 2009 #
Jem you disgust me. I know that you probably only meant that comment to be a joke or you wrote it to annoy people. But what you said is incredibly nasty and hurtful. You will never struggle with anything in your life as others will have with anorexia. It’s really worrying that you can be so cruel to others. People do not become anorexic for attention. It is a serious phycological disease. It is an incredibly scary experience to “get better”. It is a very hard recovery process. Those who are anorexic cannnot get better because people feel sorry for them. You should be really ashamed by that last comment. Anorexic people do not avoid getting better just so people will feel sorry for them. It’s a real shame that you will never be able to understand what people other than yourself go through. You really are a nasty and immature girl x
Comment by Kat — 15 November 2009 #
I believe the reason why they come back when your in love or trying to impress someone is that closeness or intamcy provokes defenses. In your case, part of your defenses to closeness and happiness is your eating disorder and perfectionism. Once you learn to sucessfully make someone happy and let them make you happy, those defenses won’t be as needed or needed at all. Work on intimacy. Best wishes to you.
Comment by Dr. I — 19 August 2008 #
HI.. I DROP HERE BECAUSE I WANTED TO BE A MODEL.
BUT IM JUST 16. IM JUST DO FOR THE PART TIME..
MY HEIGHT IS 165 CM.
Comment by ash cavier — 23 September 2008 #
Virgilio Luib comments is not mine! Delete it please…
Comment by Perfect Diamond™ — 26 October 2008 #
this is gross….
people starve themselves to look like wafer thin models which is just unnatural…
what has the modeling industry come to?
Comment by luvxoxoxoxu — 10 November 2008 #
Jem, you can go to hell. Anorexia is a real disease. It’s scary and painful. I’m a dancer, but shy away from attention in other outlets. Nobody decides to become anorexic. Nobody looks in the mirror and thinks that they’re going to end up in the hospital. It’s not for the attention.
Comment by Rose — 7 January 2009 #
I’m sorry that that last comment sounded so hateful, but that really is insulting and hurtful.
Comment by Rose — 7 January 2009 #
Heey all ..
My name is Farah .. you all know “Alessandra Ambrosio” right ?!
Anyway , i would love to know her diet , i want my body to be like her , Please and thank you !
Farah
Comment by Farah — 10 January 2009 #
Farah, you mean how she became fit for Victoria’s Secret catwalk & ads after pregnancy? Read somewhere she exercised more than 3hrs per day and had strict diet – no fats & junk food.
Comment by MJ — 26 January 2009 #
Hi all,
Being in the fashion industry, I agree that to a certain entend the fashion world does plays a part on emphasizing the perfect “model figure”. This in turn affects many others who want to look as slim as the models to be able to fit nicely into any clothes.
However, getting slim can be done in a healthier way and not by having eating disorder. The bottom line is still to keep fit.
Sufferring from illnesses like Anorexia and bullimia is something really life threatening and worrying.
Comment by Pei Yun — 11 January 2009 #
I don’t think it affects me to become anorexia or stick thin though I am always reading about supermodels, fashion & celebrities. The most important thing is to be healthy and confident, no matter what size you are. Still, just not too extreme size.
Comment by MJ — 26 January 2009 #
Yaah Pei Yun ! Thats right But How can we get Thin and Healthy at the same Time ?! What is The perfect Diet ?!
Thanks !
Comment by Farah — 20 January 2009 #
Thanxx MJ …
Where did You Read all That ?! , But isn’t 3 Hrs Per Day is Too Much ???! and Can You Tell Me More about a Good Diet ??!
Thanks
XOXO
Comment by Farah — 27 January 2009 #
Farah, Hot mamas! Victoria’s Secret models Alessandra Ambrosio, Heidi Klum feel the burn after babies
Sorry, not 3hrs. 2hrs.
Comment by MJ — 30 January 2009 #
Hi Farah
Hmmm, the perfect diet? Actually most models just diet on fruits and vegetables.
However this will slow down your metabolism rate which in turns takes a slower time to burn off fats. Thus it may not be the perfect diet.
Models themselves are already skinny hence it is easy for them to maintain their figure.
But in order to slim down, eat small 5 meals a day, your metabolism rate will increase which will enhance the speed of burning fats. It helps!
Comment by Pei Yun — 29 January 2009 #
Pei Yun ,
I am so glad that you answerd my message , but i dont want to be as thin as models because that will cause me diseases ! I want to be normal thin !
Comment by Farah — 29 January 2009 #
Never Mind MJ .. Thats OK ! :P
Any Way Thank You Very Much !
Comment by Farah — 30 January 2009 #
I’m responded to all of you.
I have always been petite and ever since I can remember I was thin, and never thought I was fat and can’t eat more than one meal a day with snacks cause I feel sick. I feel better when I do not eat which lead many times into being under weight. My body now is having issues digesting anything at all. I’ve had many tests done and no I’m not scared of fat it’s just my body my stomach doesn’t want it like IBS x 100. You people are either jealous, or insecure yourselves thinking it’s just a fear of fat– the body’s chemistry changes and although I might not be throwing up or using diet pills the cycle starts when you are not feeling like going to work or school but afraid of having a stomach ache over food. You feel better that way, so live and be sick until the day you die, by eating or live on bare min. and be ridiculed for it. I tried to gain weight to get into the military I can’t handle protein and can’t find a enzyme supplement to work.
If you are used to eating a lot you can but for others it just too much even for years I’ve tried and have over done it. even 8 small meals a day lots of calories I will miss work or school for a week or so.
And the mind thinking behind what ever says is “oh I think I’m fat” or anorexics afriad of being fat it’s I’m afraid of eating cause I hate being sick I feel better without it and they still feel fuel on those body or calories they could use so they don’t have to eat.
Dr.’s are treating them all wrong and people like above are giving it such a bad defination. That’s what’s sad.
It’s not the world’s fault things happen or parents, or the media it is just different circumstances which that individual needs to deal with not you, so worry about your own flaws not another. I am secure with myself and my appearance regardless 90lbs or 160lbs at 5′3.5″ and early 20’s. I am more active and happy when my body is energetic and happy.
“I may or may not respect your opinion however I will not substitute it for my own”
Thank you,
Secure
Holly Ann Sims
you can email me I don’t care
Comment by Holly Ann Sims — 10 February 2009 #
please delete this comment
Comment by Holly — 29 August 2009 #
Hiya im 11 yrs old im not anerexic but i wont to be.Not for the attention but when i look in the mirrior i see myself as fat i weigh 4st im im 4.9 but when i look at anerexic people i think n see beautiful people and i compare myself to them therefore sometimes i sto eating becuase i wont to “fit in ” and be like them it sounds stupid but its how i feel!
Comment by Ellie — 1 March 2009 #
PLEASE don’t. Anorexia is not a magic formula that will make you thin. It’s a DISEASE that will RUIN your body, and eventually KILL you. I suspect you don’t even know what happens to someone’s body when they have an eating disorder. Read this, it’s long but hopefully will change your mind: http://www.2medusa.com/2008/12/to-girl-who-said-she-wants-to-be.html
Comment by Amanda — 26 August 2009 #
Oh sweetie x You should never want that for yourself. Anorexic people are not beautiful. They suffer from a serious disease. I know, I was one of them. Never compare yourself to them, it will not end well. They are definitely not the type of people you should be comparing yourself too. Don’t stop eating, it’s not good for you and it will NOT make you look good to be anorexic. You don’t need to starve yourself to fit in, and you shouldn’t starve yourself to fit in. It’s really dangerous. If they are anorexic, trust me you do not want to be like them. It doesn’t sound stupid sweetie, you just need to remember to be healthy and not skinny x
Comment by Kat — 15 November 2009 #
please delete the comment of VL bcoz it is not mine. there should be no VL name here…
Comment by Perfect Diamond — 13 March 2009 #
Good day! The babes are here! This is my favorite site to visit. I make sure I am alone in case I get too hot. Post your favorite link here.
Comment by Noble — 1 April 2009 #
I am 17 years old, 1.70 (5 feet 6-7 inches) and weight less than 49 kg (108 pounds), while having quite large cutting. I do have eating disorders and I’m currently trying to get over them, so I guess I know what it feels like.
As a kid I used to be fat because I ate too much without burning it. I was used at being called fat etc. and I thought I couldn’t change that fact until last year. I wanted to prove the world out there that I can rule my image. Now all these people stare at me and believe I am anorexic or drug-addict. That’s as bad as being called fat, if it’s not even worse. But I have to admit I still prefer it.
So, I guess there are various phychological factors causing eating disorders. I just hope all the people suffering, including me, will manage to become healthily thin and stay healthily thin.
Comment by Emma — 2 April 2009 #
Good Luck sweetie x As long as you have the support of loved ones and have the willpower to want to change, you will get through this x
Comment by Kat — 15 November 2009 #
ich hbe sie im echt uf der vitoria sigrit schow gesen und das war so teuer aber richig und habe noch 3 autogramme von heidi uns carlina voll hammer und die jetzt das machen sag ich ihn ein tpp geht da nie hin
Comment by melisa — 27 April 2009 #
wow well what can i say im 17 and i have bn through a tuff time at school for bein size 14-12 whitch is acttually AVERAGE i blame magz n tv thy do it to make money not to help us at all so be happy that you are uneque n not a blend be your self and dnt feel forced to look a certain way k ? !!! xxxxxx
Comment by lauz — 11 May 2009 #
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Pingback by WTF Want to Be a Model? Just Change Everything About Your Av! - Page 13 - SLUniverse Forums — 24 May 2009 #
Ofcourse the media makes a huge impact! If I had never seen these waif models, I would have never thought I have to look like them. Yes, I had a low self esteem to start off with, but which teenage girl doesn’t at some point? And just that weak point was pushed to the limit as I saw “how I have to look.” Ofcourse boys who see Gisele Bundchen also end up thinking that’s what HOT is. Look at what “hot” was hundreds of years ago! People are SO easy to brainwash.
Any models who deny having eating disorders are OBVIOUSLY going to deny it. Look at Snejana Onopka, she looks like death in high heels. And NO she is NOT naturally like that, there are pictures of her on russian google a few years ago where she had atleast 20 pounds more on her, and looked ALIVE and much better.
This is pathetic… I feel sorry for girls in society who have so much pressure from these jerks who just want to sell to people. *SIGH*
Comment by Liana — 21 June 2009 #
honestly, im a size 6-8 almost 34 year old that is 5′7….by standards, im below average weight for women, but I cant seem to stop comparing myself to 20 yr old models… Ive thought about purging…although i hate throwing up….but to me its worth it to look the way I want…
Comment by jeanette young — 4 August 2009 #
Trust me it is not worth it. What is more important to you- being skinny and unhealthy or having a great life with people ho love you for who you are. I wish someone had told me this when I was younger- I’m now 28 and unable to have kids of my own. x
Comment by Kat — 15 November 2009 #
i dnt think these models are anorexic there Beautifull and they work hard and they eat Healthy there just really fit models and they work hard for a beautifull that they have . i love adriana Lima shes the most beautifullest Person ever and im happy that shes a having baby its awesome happy wishes to her .
Comment by kate — 23 August 2009 #
Apparently, the post by Virgilio is not by Virgilio?
> From: Perfect Diamond
> Subject:
> To: daysnnitesofmj@yahoo.com
> Date: Wednesday, 26 August, 2009, 7:58 AM
>
> Hi!
>
> Kindly remove the posts on your blog. That is
> not me. Someone is using my name. Virgilio Luib
> Here’s the link…
> http://lovethis.wordpress.com/2007/01/31/anorexia-models/
>
>
> Many Thanks!
>
>
> —
> Be Yourself @ mail.com
>
> Choose From 200+ Email Addresses
>
> Get a Free Account at http://www.mail.com!
>
Comment by MJ — 27 August 2009 #
dude, they arent anorexic they just have slim bodies, VERY different from anorexica
Comment by CUTIPI108 — 28 August 2009 #
For anyone who wants to be anorexic, I hope you change your mind. It will ruin your life and believe me it is not worth starving yourself and throwing up just to be skinny. It is the most horrible thing to experience and I would never wish it on anyone. Whilst it may seem like an OK thing to do while your young, it can seriously impact your future. When I was young, I suffered from anorexia and bulimia. I thought it would be Ok and wouldn’t do me much damage. I was hospitalized and I nearly died. I am now unable to have children of my own because of the disease which for me, began as a stupid mistake when I was young. People seriously underestimate the impact it has on you, and the damage it does. I beg all of you here not to ever become anorexic, it is not the right way to be healthy. Please don’t make a mistake like this- it could ruin your life x
Comment by Kat — 15 November 2009 #