Pressures to Be Thin Essay Example

who prioritize thinness over health.

According to Janice Dickinson, a former supermodel and current agent, models are expected to be thin and should not eat. She has 42 models in her agency and is encouraging them to lose weight, even hoping that they develop anorexia.

Despite its shocking tone, the statement "I’m not kidding. I’m running into a bunch of fat-assed, lazy little bitches who don’t know how to do the stairs or get their butts into the gym” (Dickinson, 2007) is shared by many in the fashion industry. This explains why models are constantly pressured to maintain a thin figure, leading not just to eating disorders among models, but also among women who strive to emulate them.

According to a 2007 study by the Office of National Drug Control, when teens observe models using drugs instead of eating, they perceive it as a viable weight loss solution. The study reports that 71% of eleventh-grade students occasionally use drugs. Additionally, 43% of 16-20 year olds have been diagnosed with eating disorders, based on General Eating Disorder Statistics from 2005. Despite the education on the effects of drugs and dieting provided in schools, teens largely disregard this information when they witness their favorite models engaging in such behaviors.

Drugs and diets are becoming increasingly normalized in our society, with teenagers being encouraged to diet as a solution to obesity. However, this acceptance can lead some individuals to unhealthy habits and eating disorders, particularly due to the pressure to achieve model-like figures. Many models have fast metabolisms which allow them to maintain small frames, but this can result in them forgoing puberty and proper physical development. Gemma Ward, who is only

19, provides an example of this phenomenon with her youthful figure.

It is challenging for women who have a naturally large build and slow metabolism to attain a model-like physique, necessitating severe dieting that may cause eating disorders when results aren't achieved rapidly enough. This raises the question of whether all dieting is regulated. Funk ; Wagnalls Standard Dictionary (1976, p.356) defines a diet as "a regulated course of eating and drinking" and characterizes an eating disorder as "loss of appetite resulting in excessive weight loss" (p. ).

The regulation of food intake, such as consuming only one meal a day, can conceal an eating disorder, which is often disguised as a diet. This approach is employed by both regular women and models. Additionally, websites that promote weight loss are commonly employed to attain a model's physique.

The primary focus of these websites is on forums and active email discussion lists, where pictures of slim models are shared to encourage individuals to continue their diet. However, there are also distressing messages communicated via these sites, such as "Although I was making progress, I yearn to be thin again. Thank you to all the models out there for boosting my motivation. Nothing compares to the feeling of dropping weight and seeing bones" (Roslyakova, 2007). This demonstrates how easily females can be influenced by the media, as they are bombarded with images of women who have an unnatural thinness.

There is worry that the fashion industry's use of identical-looking models in their shows and publications may encourage dangerous pressure on future generations to be excessively thin. The society's preoccupation with weight and thinness is a mounting concern requiring attention. Research indicates

that most fashion models are thinner than the majority of American women, prompting calls for responsibility.

A report from the British Medical Association accuses designers and agents of prioritizing profit over promoting healthy standards by endorsing plastic surgery and dieting. The study found that models often have body fat levels as low as 10%, which is significantly below the recommended range of 22% to 26% for women's health. Despite this, designers and agents continue to disregard the potential risks associated with such low levels.

In 2006, a model from Uruguay passed away while leaving a runway allegedly due to her diet consisting of lettuce leaves and Diet Coke (Nussbaum, 2007). The designers may have disregarded the model's unhealthy state when recruiting her, focusing only on the appeal of their garments on her body. Consequently, the designers are accountable for this conduct, and not the models.

Designers exert pressure on models to conform to a specific image, leading to the expectation that they remain dangerously thin. If designers requested heavier models, it would alleviate pressure from the models to maintain an unhealthy lifestyle while still succeeding in their careers. The public observes fashion shows and purchases clothing featured in media.

Observing a thin model, people recognize the unhealthiness of their weight and generally comprehend that these individuals are required to maintain diets for their entire careers. Most agree with the opinions of healthcare professionals and dietitians that models should exhibit a "healthy image with at least an 18% Body Mass Index" (Guerra, 2006) to remain on catwalks. However, individuals persist in purchasing clothes modelled by these individuals without realizing that doing so supports designers who employ anorexic models.

Encouragement from

the public prompts designers to persist, however, if sales decrease, designers will have to modify their designs. The matter of models' body images has been a long-standing concern in society due to their portrayal as excessively thin and their association with the prevalence of eating disorders in young girls. There exists pressure from designers and agents for models to maintain a size of 0, which poses a threat to their well-being. It must be considered that the issue does not solely rest on the models, but also the designers and agents.

The text addresses the unease society experiences as a result of our preoccupation with being thin. The sale of designer clothes is reliant on their appearance on models. It is not solely the models who require reform, but rather societal attitudes surrounding weight and perfection. It is necessary to employ healthier models to encourage healthier body ideals, not just for young girls, but for those interested in modeling as well.