Top > Entertainment > 2007 > August > 2007-08-16

Role Models or Bad Influences?

Celebrities, fashion models, and the highly exposed world of entertainment are frequently regarded as the most beautiful people on the planet. Whether it?s ?the body? of Elle McPherson you worship, or the legs of Angelina, people are always striving to achieve their flawless slim looks, imaging them in both appearance and behavior.

Perhaps it?s the constant pressure of having to always ?look good for the camera? that causes celebrities to treat their image as top priority? Whatever the reason, it is becoming increasingly apparent that looking good means being skinny, and some have simply gone overboard.

The last few weeks have seen several disturbing shots being taken of well known celebrities, in which unheard of bones have found their way to the skin?s surface, making them appear skeleton-like and shockingly underweight. Girls like Nicole Ritchie, Lindsay Lohan, Mary Kate Olsen, and Sarah Michelle Geller have taken their anti-fat crusades to a dangerous level, and are hardly the promoters of health.

Nearly all teen girls are influenced by some celebrity or another, and girls between the ages of 12-19 make up approximately 10% of American residents. Is America about to face a head to head battle between anorexia and obesity?

So, why are celebrities getting so skinny?
Scientists have found a new tie between people with eating disorders and psychological conditions, they lack a brain chemical called ?Serotonin?, which influences moods and emotions. Elaine Yudkowitz, a NY psychotherapist and eating disorder specialist, explains that the media is responsible for influencing girls to be thin. The problem is that teenagers don?t realize the psychology and physical danger behind following this trend.

In light of this issue, the Madrid regional government has banned all underweight models from appearing in fashion shows as a means of promoting healthier body images. Whilst this unprecedented move may be extreme, it might be necessary for other countries to follow suit if we?re to tackle the issue head on.