The fashion industry has become more aware of anorexic models and the dangers of anorexia nervosa within this business. Like others who suffer from anorexia, an anorexic model develops fears over becoming fat and loosing jobs. And this is a valid fear; many models have been told by managers that they need to lose weight in order to keep working.
The disease may start out innocently enough – with just harsh dieting, intense exercise, and/or the use of laxatives. Over time, however, the person’s self image gets distorted. They always see themselves as too fat for success and continue the unhealthy behaviors.
Anorexic models are common on catwalks where the pressure to fit into zero size outfits seems intense. As time goes on, an anorexic model may become very weak, develop a variety of health issues, and also show serious signs of depression. Eventually, anorexia nervosa can lead to death
1. Eliana Ramos, 18, collapsed six months after her sister Luisel had a heart attack during a fashion show and triggered an international debate over the use of size zero models on the catwalks.
2. Another model, Isabelle Caro, became the face of anorexia by appearing on billboards showing her thinness to heighten awareness about this condition. After collapsing, Caro realized she needed help. On her road to recovery, she hopes some day to become a mother. Anorexia can cause infertility, however.
3. Ana Carolina Reston was an anorexic model who did not get help. She died after consuming only apples and tomatoes as her “diet plan,” leaving her 5’8” tall body weighing only 88 pounds at the time of her death. Similarly Luisel Ramos died after eating only lettuce and diet coke for 90 days. Both models were only in their early 20s.
