Here in New York City, it’s Fashion Week, where the designers showcase their Fall collections.   It runs until February 26th this year, and the models are on the scene and in the media.  It’s the stuff that distorts our image of ideal weight in the real world. 

But, not to worry!  National Eating Disorders Awareness Week starts on February 22nd.  That’s when health professionals try to raise awareness of the dangers of eating disorders.  Is the juxtaposition a coincidence?  You decide....


We all want to look good

Appearance is on everybody’s short list of important qualities, and we take our cues from the media.  Young women, in particular, seek to achieve the ideal.  But do they really have a chance? 

I ran down to Fashion Week to see the models in person. (You can do that in NYC.)  Just as I thought: The models were young, barely 16, and of course, all were lookers with heavy makeup, styled hair and expensive clothing.  And each was a very tall drink of water.  They are super-thin because they haven't been able to grow tall and fill-out - yet.  Only the rare full-grown adult is super-thin AND healthy too.  


What's ideal?

The general population should maintain its weight in the healthy range on the BMI chart.  For a small-framed women, that is BMI 19 - 21.  BMI 21 - 23 is right for a medium frame, and BMI 23 - 25 for a large frame.  Men should weigh more than BMI 20.  The models are of the small-framed variety.

While there are exceptions to all population-based advice, the BMI is valid.  The BMI chart is for adults.  Children and teens have their own BMI chart because they are still growing. 

 
Eating Disorder Screening

If your goal is to weigh less than you should for your frame, then perhaps you need to take the EAT-26.  The EAT-26 Eating Attitudes Test is a widely used screening tool for eating disorders.  An eating disorder is a collection of off-base thoughts about food, eating, exercise, and body image.  Test yourself to see if all is well.

Here's an interesting article from Newsweek about Why Skinny Models Could be Making us Fat 

Your thoughts....
Do modern women want to be too thin?