9 Models On The Pressure To Lose Weight & Body Image
Over the years, the fashion and modelling industry have faced scrutiny over the appearance of models - namely to do with their weight and size. Some of the biggest models in the world share their personal experiences with eating disorders, size discrimination and mental health.
In 2012, The Model Alliance published their Industry Survey Report which involved sending an online survey to 241 working fashion models based in New York and Los Angeles.
“The models we surveyed shared several common concerns about their health on the job. Perhaps unsurprisingly, nearly two-thirds of models have been pressured to lose weight by their agencies. Eating disorders are not uncommon. Models report that drug use in the workplace is rampant. And more than two-thirds of models say they suffer from anxiety or depression.”
To read more about our take on the importance of protecting the health and well-being of models, see below our past articles:
Remember, you are not alone and you can reach out to the following helplines for support:
United Kingdom -
Mind
Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
Beat (Eating Disorders)
Phone: 0808 801 0677 (adults) or 0808 801 0711 (for under-18s)
Website: www.b-eat.co.uk
America -
Mental Health America
Call 911
Go to the nearest emergency room, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis center, or text MHA to 741741 at the Crisis Text Line.
Website: https://www.mhanational.org/
On Sunday 18th September, The Fashion Debates hosted an open panel discussion to further highlight the issues and raise awareness with the invited attendees ranging from fashion industry insiders, lawyers and fashion consumers.
The panel consisted of Rosie Nelson, Amy Williams, a renowned writer for Hello and ES Magazine, Laura Watts of Lennie’s Model Management and founder of The Fashion Debates Olivia Pinnock.