The fashion industry’s use of skinny emaciated models and tiny clothing sizes is constantly coming under fire. The subsequent impact of the fashion industry's messages that its images convey to viewers has resulted in tense debate between health authorities and the media about eating disorders and in particular anorexia throughout the last decade. Such conditions as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders are all considered mental disorders and are accountable for the highest amounts of deaths attributed to any mental illness.
Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria
Meagan O’Connor, communications and public relations officer for Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria, said that modeling agencies are “normalizing” skinny and anorexia. “EDV feels that modeling agencies need to take a greater responsibility in portraying greater diversity of body shape to the community.” said Ms O’Connor. Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria is a not for profit organisation that offers support to people suffering from eating disorders such as anorexia. The organisation offers services ranging from intervention, counseling, to non clinical recovery and maintenance.
Fashion Industry Media Images & Eating Disorders
Ms O’Connor said that the media images have a flow on effect that can build a culture where although unattainable, the ultra thin anorexic physique is aspired to. Ms O’Connor said that the modeling industry has the same obligations to their employees as any other industry. “EDV also feels that model agencies simply have a duty of care to their employees that they are healthy,” said Ms O’Connor. Ms O’Connor identifies the higher end of fashion as being more heavily reliant on anorexic and ultra thin models, producing sample clothing that is in extra small sizes. “Which means models chosen need to be extremely thin simply to fit the sample size.” said Ms O’Connor. Groups that appear to be more susceptible to distorted body image and eating disorders seem to share certain personality characteristic said Ms O’Connor. “Factors such as low self esteem, excessive dieting, and perfectionism, pressures to succeed and achieve and even physical characteristics associated with adolescence.” said Ms O’Connor.
National Advisory Group on Body Image: Eating disorders & Anorexia
It was in October 2008 that the Rudd government announced it was commencing a crackdown on the fashion industry and introducing a code of conduct.It was after this announcement in 2008 the National Advisory Group on Body Image was formed. This group includes a collation of media and fashion personalities, medical professionals and media professionals. Their purpose is to research and formulate possible steps the government could take to tackle this issue.
National Advisory Group Recomendations
This advisory group returned in 2009 with a list of recommendations for the government. The Rudd government then allocated $125,000 to assist with establishing a code of conduct for the media and fashion industry. Some of the recommendations made by the group included the notification of digital enhancement, age limits and BMI minimums for models and standardised sizing of clothing .The advisory group's report identified that a combination of cultural messages, social environment and individual characteristics all contribute to a situation where eating disorders can develop.
Some of the recommendations made by the group include formalisation of information sharing among federal, state and territory governments to ensure support on all levels of government. The group recommended a voluntary industry code of conduct be enacted and advised that there be education and supportive work done on body image within schools, tertiary, workplaces, online, community organisations and families. It also recommended standardised sizing of all clothing across Australia. On the 27th of June 2010, the new initiatives to be implemented by the Australian government were announced by The Honorable Kate Ellis. These initiatives included supporting the Butterfly Foundation, an education campaign students about body image, eating disorders and anorexia, industry initiatives to promote more positive body image messages an a voluntary industry code of conduct.
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Sources:
Youth.gov.au , “National advisory image board”, (accessed 15th of November 2009)
Youth.gov.au, “New Australian government initiatives on body image” (accessed 22/07/10)
The Hon Kate Ellis MP, “New advisory group to tackle negative body image” (accessed 15th of November 2009)
Carabine, A, “Body Image”, ABC radio National, (accessed 15th of November 2009)
Eating disorders foundation Victoria, “Position statement 2009”, (accessed 15th of November 2009)
Encyclopedia.com, “Eating disorders”, (accessed 15th of November 2009)
Department of Health and Aging, “Anorexia nervosa: Australian treatment guide for consumers and carers” (accessed 18th of November 2009)
