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Introduction

The modeling industry happens to be one of the most dynamic industries in the recent times. It accounts for billions of money in terms of revenue for the government. However, there has been controversy over the notion that only skinny can or should be on catwalks. Unfortunately, many women have been influenced to make every move so as to be skinny and look like them. However, it is noteworthy that models may end up starving themselves in order to maintain a skinny figure. This poses significant risks on the health of individuals sometimes leading to death. What are the risks of modeling at an early age?

Unfortunately, starving oneself comes with the danger of getting anorexia nervosa. Recent times have seen an increase in the number of young girls who become too frail due to starvation, to the point of fainting in front of the cameras.

In addition, it is noteworthy that when young girls cannot get a skinny image like the models that they admire, they end up having a low self-image to the point of hating themselves. Many women have had to undergo counseling due to low self esteem as a result of hating their image (Hellmich). Many ladies view the skinny image as the model or desirable figure, especially in the fashion industry.

As a consequence of modeling at an early age, girls would fill their minds with self-loathing, as well as suicidal thoughtswhen they cannot attain the ideal figure. It is noteworthy that eating disorders are some of the deadliest mental illness, sometimes having 20 percent mortality rates (Preti et al. 90). Studies show that even when the girls survive, they should expect to lose their lives decades earlier than individuals at a similar age but who never had eating disorders. This is due to the risks posed on the health and wellness of the young girls who starve themselves in an effort to attain the “right” size.

In an effort to imitate their admired models, many young girls tend to engage in substance abuse. Stress is one of the principal elements that come with the fashion industry. This is due to the various pressures emanating from varied quarters such as employers, expectations of the public, the media, and especially, the need to maintain the slim figure. It is noteworthy that most young girls are unable to cope with the stress and, therefore, end up abusing substances such as alcohol and illegal drugs. Quite a large number of models have had to sign up in rehabs due to substance abuse.

Individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa are likely to be obsessed with weight and eating control. They are also likely to check their weight persistently and revert to only certain foods. It is noteworthy that most of the diet plans for models do not incorporate a balanced diet as they mostly involve junk foods. In addition, they may end up exercising excessively and even withdraw from social activities that involve food (Preti et al. 89).

Eating disorders also lead to serious health conditions touching on the behavioral, mental and physical wellbeing of the individual. It is noteworthy that many girls who start modeling at a young age have frail forms and weak bones, which increases the risk of fractures. Bulimia and anorexia are also likely to result in dehydration and other serious medical complications like kidney failure, heart problems among others (Halliwell and Dittmar).

Conclusion

The fashion industry has had a tremendous impact on the lives of many people especially women, who adore the skinny models and strive to attain slim figures. Unfortunately, many people end up starving themselves in an effort to attain the slim figure. This has serious health implications on the lives of young girls who indulge in the fashion world, engaging in substance abuse and eating disorders just to keep up with the fashion world. It is imperative that they be taught that there is a line between being skinny and being healthy. In addition, efforts should be made to uplift their self esteem.

Works cited

Halliwell, Emma and Dittmar, Helgar. “Does Size Matter? The Impact of Model’s Body Size on Women’s Body-Focused Anxiety and Advertising Effectiveness.” Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology 23. 1(2004): 104.122. Print

Hellmich, Nanci. Do thin models warp girls’ body image? usatoday.com, 2011. Web. February 29, 2012.

Preti Antonio, Ambra Usai, Paola Miotto, Donatella Rita Petretto and Carmelo Masala. “Eating disorders among professional fashion models.” Psychiatry Research 159 (2008): 86-94. Print.