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.”

In the third episode of "The Models," Vogue's four-part docu-series, runway stars get real about eating disorders, size discrimination, and the fashion's fra...

To read more about our take on the importance of protecting the health and well-being of models, see below our past articles:

Featured

Model-Health, Fashion Industry, Modelling, Models, Health, Size Discrimination

'#NoSizeFitsAll': The Fashion Debates’ Should the UK Introduce a Model-Health Law? Event Review

Model-Health, Fashion Industry, Modelling, Models, Health, Size Discrimination

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.

Model-Health, Fashion Industry, Modelling, Models, Health, Size Discrimination

Model Alliance, Model-Health, Modelling, Models, Size Discrimination

LFW 2016: Should the UK pass a Legislation in order to Protect the Health of Models?

Model Alliance, Model-Health, Modelling, Models, Size Discrimination

Over the past couple of years, there has been an increasing amount of concern and debate over the well-being of models in the fashion industry. The fashion industry has been subject to criticism on the use of thin 'unhealthy' models which has resulted in Spain, Canada, France and Israel to pass legislation banning excessively thin models.

Model Alliance, Model-Health, Modelling, Models, Size Discrimination

Model-Health, Modelling, Size Discrimination, Models, Model Alliance

Do Models have Fair Employment Rights?

Model-Health, Modelling, Size Discrimination, Models, Model Alliance

Within the fashion industry, there has always been persistent undercurrents of unfair employment practices and even exploitation. The modelling profession is a very competitive industry, however with the working lives of many models being short, this has allowed a culture of unfair employment practices to develop. Earlier this year, there was a well-publicised class action lawsuit of around US$100 million made in the State of New York alleging...

Model-Health, Modelling, Size Discrimination, Models, Model Alliance

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/