Fashion Models Portray Unhealthy Image

For years it seems as though the typical runway model has not decreased in size and weight, but also in age.  In fact, the typical “high fashion” model is only 16 years old topping in just under 100 pounds, and oftentimes towering at a height of 6 feet.  Not only are these measurements and statistics disturbing and unnatural, they are also portraying an extremely unhealthy image to girls and women around the world.

The new faces of the fashion world are proving to be (not so good) examples of crash diets, juice cleanses, and intense workout regimes starting at a time when they haven’t fully hit puberty!  How is this affecting the rest of the female population and their body image and self esteem?  Well, not only are documented eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, BDD) at an all time high, there are more records of depression and use of non-prescribed diet pills and laxatives than ever before. 

While many people simply turn their heads to this type of worldwide epidemic, there things that experts in the fashion industry, as well as former models themselves, are doing to take action.  One suggestion from industry experts is to raise the sample size from a size 0 to a size 8 in order to promote the idea that “0 is not a size” and not a number that can be achieved in a healthy manner.  Also, another suggestion is to treat underage models with the same rules and regulations as child actors, by mandating a parents or chaperone be present at all events as well as a steady tutor on hand for school work.  This will make agencies think twice before hiring young girls to take part in certain shoots or campaigns.

Finally, and most importantly, companies need to be willing and accepting to embrace models who have curves and are not willing to starve themselves, such as Kate Upton, who recently made headlines as one of the most desirable women after her debut on Sports Illustrated.