Literature Review

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The idea of body image and how it negatively or positively affects a person has been
researched and discussed for years. Issues with body image tend to stem from problems in the
fashion world and whats shown on different media outlets. Its important to recognize where
problems with body image come from because it could potentially lead to much more serious
problems such as eating disorders and low self esteem. After realizing the major problems, key
players in the fashion industry and media have decided to become part of the solution, not part of
the problem. New policies and laws have been put into place to help create a better, healthier,
body type featured on runways and magazines.
The importance of being able to identify problems in the fashion industry and how the
media portrays the perfect body type is crucial in preventing eating disorders and low self
esteem. Although too thin models are often shown on runways its also important to understand
some people are just born with thin physiques and that is something that shouldnt be condemned
(Vogue).
Power in Fashion and the Media:
Its no secret that what is seen on runways and in fashion magazines plays a role in body
image issues. In a letter from the editor, American Vogue editor Anna Wintour writes how she
was shocked by todays idea of the perfect model type. She explains how she was startled to
realize how many of the models Vogue has worked with in the past would be considered too big
by todays standards. Cara Delevingne, a retired super model, sat down with Elle magazine to
explain how the fashion industry affected her. Modeling just made me feel a little hollow after

awhile, she stated. It didnt help me grow as a person at all. Isabelle Saint-Felix, head of the
French modeling union, states that its not the models who have a problem with body image.
The power is in the hands of the designers, photographers, and editors. She continued to say
how modeling agencies just respond to what the advertisers, designers, and photographers put
out for the world to see.
Why Its Important:
Taking a look at how a healthy body image is perceived is important because it can have
lasting effects on a person and ones self esteem. According to one statistic girls self esteem
peaks at 9 years old (nationaleatingdisorders.org). That means that after just third grade many
young girls start to feel more insecure about themselves and may take drastic measures to be
more confident. Another statistic found that 81% of ten year olds in America are afraid of being
fat (nationaleatingdisorders.org). Having a poor body image doesnt just affect girls. One study
found that 81% of boys aged 10 to 17 are using unproven supplements and/or steroids in order to
help reach their ideal body image. With low self esteem often comes eating disorders. This
problem is becoming so prevalent today that some countries have begun to find pro-eating
disorder websites are taking over the cyber world. A study published by the European Eating
Disorders Review found exposure to pro-eating disorder sites increased body dissatisfaction and
dieting among its readers (onlinelibrary.wiley.com).
Although these are shocking facts and statistics some editors of magazines are trying to
explain how pictures of thin models isnt the only factor in someone developing an eating
disorder. In a letter from the editor, Anna Win tour explains how some people are just born with
slim figures. The reality is that genetically we are all born with varying shapes and sizes. Less

than 5% of the populations can expect to achieve the shape and size media portrays as
ideal. She continued to explain her point of view, fashion has often been (wrongly) held up as
an active agent in making women want to be excrutiatingly thin, ignoring the complex genetic
and psychosocial factors that contribute to eating disorders.
Solutions to the Problem:
Major steps have been taken in order to promote a healthier body image on runways and
in fashion magazines. The Council of Fashion Designers of America, or the CFDA, announced
its Health Initiative with the support of Vogue and Vogue editors (Vogue, CFDA). Vogue is one
of, if not the top fashion magazine in the world so this is a huge step for the CFDAs agenda. 18
Vogue editors vowed to depict healthy body images in their magazines (Vogue, CFDA). Anna
Wintour, editor-in-chief of American Vogue, wrote in a letter from the editor that this move is
making a stand with the Health Initiative signals renewed efforts to make our ideal of beauty a
healthy one, (Vogue, CFDA).
According to the CFDAs official website they have set clear goals to make sure this new
movement in fashion is a lasting one. The following rules have been put into play: specifying
guidelines for a healthier diet, vowing to identify those vulnerable to eating disorders,
establishing minimum age requirements for models, creating a model-mentorship program,
asking that models be provided with plentiful breaks and access to nutritious food during shoots
and shows, no alcohol and no smoking zone (CFDA).
Unrealistic body image portrayed by the media and fashion contributes to eating
disorders. When perfectly photoshopped images are plastered on billboards and magazines it is
assumed that is how the population should look. In reality a very small portion of the population
is physically capable of obtaining the same figures as these models and celebrities. These

unattainable goals could potentially lead to low self esteem or the development of eating
disorders.
Presumably fashion models are at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder, but few
studies have been performed to support this assumption. In a recent study, researchers
interviewed fifty-five models from Italys top modeling agencies to find out if a correlation
between the modeling industry and increase in eating disorders (or eating disorder symptoms)
actually existed. Each model was asked to bring along two friends not involved in the modeling
industry in order to create a control group of similar ages and backgrounds similar to the
experiment group. After conducting several interviews and extensive questionnaires with both
the experiment and control groups the results concluded that there is a correlation between the
modeling industry and eating disorders and symptoms. However, the modeling industry didnt
just affect the models, the control group answered similarly. Ten out of the fifty-five models and
eight out of the 110 controls reported restricted eating in the last three days. Both groups also
reported a strong feeling of guilt after eating. Where the two groups differed the most was the
bulimic category of questions. Sixty-percent of the models reported experiencing bulimic
episodes in the past three months as opposed to thirty-percent of the control group (Preti, Usai,
Miotto, Pretretto, & Masala, 2008).
In a tell all interview, Cleo Glyde, a former fashion model and Marie Claire style editor,
described her struggle with an eating disorder and her 11 grape diet. She explains how
although different styles and fashion trends change from season to season one thing that
remained the same during her time as a model was the fact that all models had to fit this body
ideal that was way taller and thinner than than average. Food deprivation became a badge of
honor Glyde says. Models dieted together and shared stories of how they kept their double zero

figures. Eating disorders are a very real problem in the modeling industry, but Glyde does
acknowledge that some people are just dealt the naturally thin card and dont have to go to
extremes to keep themselves at that weight ("My 11-Grape Diet": A Model Confesses. 2007).
Media plays a role in portraying an unrealistic body ideal as well. Ronda Rousey,
Olympic judo medalist, told the New York Times about a time she felt personally victimized by a
company who wanted to feature her in an ad. Rousey explains how she purposely went into the
shoot weighing heavier than she was expected to because someone made a rude comment about
her weight. The strong and muscular fighter has posed for publications such as Sports Illustrated
and Maxim in hopes to represent a different body type that isnt always showcased by the media
(Marikar, S. 2015).
The unattainable body goals that are presented in magazines, fashion runways, and other
media outlets may help contribute to low self esteem and eating disorders. Often times theres an
assumption that the photoshopped pictures of models and celebrities on billboards and magazine
covers are what society should aspire to look like. In reality everyone has their own shape and
size and society should be showcasing that. Body acceptance and body confidence can be
achieved with the cooperation of the media and fashion world.