Most Runway Models ‘Meet the Physical Criteria for Anorexia,' Says Mag

Fashion
Plus Model Magazine says the women on the runway are unhealthily thin.
Plus Model Magazine says the women on the runway are unhealthily thin.

Many people believe that models have gotten thinner over the years, and Plus Model Magazine is out to prove just how unhealthy women walking the runway really are. There's a NSFW photo spread in the January issue which features nude photos of plus-size model and "America's Next Top Model" contestant Katya Zharkova. The most unsettling of the photos show Zharkova posing with a much traditional model who looks like a small child by comparison. To up the ante, each shot is accompanied by depressing facts about the modeling industry. Here is a sampling of these facts and phrases that run alongside the photos:

- Most runway models meet the Body Mass Index physical criteria for Anorexia.

-Twenty years ago the average fashion model weighed 8% less than the average woman. Today, she weighs 23% less.

- 50% of women wear a size 14 or larger, but most standard clothing outlets cater to sizes 14 or smaller.- Ten years ago plus-size models averaged between size 12 and 18. Today the need for size diversity within the plus-size modeling industry continues to be questioned. The majority of plus-size models on agency boards are between a size 6 and 14, while the customers continue to express their dissatisfaction.

There are a few flaws with this spread. They omitted the obvious fact that the average woman weighs significantly more now than 20 years ago. And anorexia is a mental disorder, not just a physical weight or BMI. But nevertheless, continuing to show very thin models on the runway and in ad campaigns when women are growing farther away from this size is unrealistic and can really affect our self-esteem. We appreciate the thought-provoking photo spread and encourage you to check it out here.

Related links:
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Outrage Over Gym's Skinny Model Campaign. Members Want More Muscle.
Crystal Renn addresses her weight loss and maintaining plus-size model status
Coco Rocha challenges the modeling industry