Models: Too Thin?

There was a saying that you could never be too rich or too thin. But with the rise of eating disorders in the modeling industry, fashion scouts are rethinking their choice in girls. Models with low body mass index or BMI have become the industry norm, which in turn is causing societies perception of a beautiful woman to be distorted. Fashion scouts need to be more aware of the model’s natural BMI that they employ and require help if signs of an eating disorder are present. A Utilitarian point of view on whether or not thin models should be banned would be to ban the use of thin models in modeling.

In the 1960’s, supermodel Twiggy came on the scene. She is best known for her very thin, waiflike figure that brought on her nickname (Twiggy). Twiggy’s look became the new desired look for models regardless of whether it was their natural size or a size that was brought on by an eating disorder or excessive exercise. Now decades later we are still seeing the effects of the demand for stick thin models and how it has affected society. More specifically the rise in eating disorders and low body mass index or BMI in models on the runway today.

There are two types of eating disorders that are most common: Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.

Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder where a person diets, exercise, or doesn’t eat even if they are underweight. People with this disorder often times have a large fear of becoming overweight or gaining weight. Those with anorexia nervosa have a warped perception of themselves (Thompson p159-161).

Bulimia Nervosa is when a person binges on food or has frequent episodes of overeating. They then use different methods to relieve themselves of their overeating by vomiting or abusing laxatives in order to prevent weight gain. Often time people that suffer from bulimia nervosa also suffer from anorexia nervosa (Thompson p159-161).

Both eating disorders can create health issues and even death in serious...