2007: Our Greatest Hits

2007 marked our first year of blogging. We're still humble newbies, but here are a few of our year-end picks...

Most hotly debated post: "Has Spock Joined the Fat Acceptance Movement?"

Most viewed series of posts: "No Anorexia Campaign"

Our favorite round-up: "A Year in (Retouched) Pictures"

Best clip: "I've Had it Goin' on Since Before You Were in GrrAnimals!"

The post we wish everyone in the fashion industry would read and debate: "9 out of 10 Doctors and Fashionistas Agree..."

The post you'll be hearing more about: "Will Models Unionize?"

Finally, we must say a BIG thank you to all of our readers. We would love to know what posts struck a nerve with you this year and what topics you would like to see us cover in 2008. Or you can just say hi. We like that, too. Happy New Year, everyone!

If You're Looking for the Fountain of Youth, Just Splash on Some Common Sense

The New York Times' #2 most emailed story today contains a shocking revelation: you can't reverse the aging process! While many women would gladly empty their wallets for a miracle procedure, lotion, or potion that would keep them looking fresh and youthful forever, we would be much better off donating that cash to charity. Because for the billions of dollars we spend on anti-aging remedies, it's the "well, duh" stuff that actually works--and most of it is free or available for cheap at your local drugstore. So here goes...Wash your face, stop the smoking and pimple popping, wear sunscreen, get some rest, throw away your crusty old mascaras, foundations, etc. and resist the urge to pile on the products. You should also quit stressing about getting older. It's really bad for your skin. [New York Times]

"I've Had it Goin' On Since Before You Were in GrrAnimals!"

If you ask me, Bea Arthur's awesomeness is one of life's constants. Okay, I'll concede that her look is a little Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? here, but how can you not be charmed by this SATC spoof, which also stars Charlotte Rae (Mrs. Garrett!), Katherine Helmond (Mona!), Sally Struthers, and a very special guest? These ladies are not senior citizens--they're "classics." And classic beauty is not about beating back wrinkles. It's about owning your hard-earned, kick-ass confidence. Bea certainly knows how to work hers.

Here's a bonus for all you diehards: Happy Holidays, Star Wars-style! "It's odd. I've gotten so many letters and requests for autographed photos from that thing," says Bea. "I just remember singing to bunch of people with funny heads."

Dove Reality Diaries Live Chat: Tonight at 8:00 ET

Sydney, Chelsea, Jordyn, and Irene are real girls with real issues. It's not easy to open up while the world is watching, and that's why these four teens have completely won me over with their willingness to talk candidly about everything from body image struggles and racial stereotypes to family drama and boy trouble. Over the last six weeks, they have been recording video diaries, keeping blogs, and participating in self-esteem boosting activities with the help of our friend Jess Weiner. Tonight Jess and the girls will be hosting a live chat at 8 p.m. ET. Know a teen girl who needs some inspiration and encouragement? This would be a good place to send her.

Christina Ricci Talks About Anorexia and Hollywood Beauty Pressures

"I was a teenager going through adolescence and at one point I had a little anorexia phase and then I kind of ballooned,” Christina Ricci tells Entertainment Tonight in an interview to air on Tuesday. “I feel my body now is the adult Christina and it's what I should have come to a long time ago if I hadn't been screwing around with my body so much." The red carpet was one of Ricci's biggest sources of stress. "I was too busy thinking about my skin or my weight or the clothes I was wearing instead of just enjoying it and saying, 'I can't believe I get to be here. This is awesome and I'm going to experience it.' " [OK!]

New Brain Research on Anorexia Lets Models Off the Hook. Um, Not So Fast

Walter Kaye has conducted some very interesting research, which reveals that the brain patterns of anorexics are different than those of healthy women. “This means they react and think in different ways to the ordinary person and that they are more likely to go on to develop anorexia regardless of whether they have been exposed to images of super-thin models,” Dr. Kaye said. Wow, is the British press having a field day with that statement:

"Anorexia 'cannot be picked up by looking at photographs of super-thin models'" [Times]

"Stick-thin models such as Kate Moss do not encourage young women to become anorexic, say scientists." [Daily Mail]

"Anorexia not models' fault" [The Sun]

Okay, villagers. Put down your torches. The models are innocent! The gist here is that people don't look at pictures of models and immediately spiral into severe eating disorders. Did anyone really believe it was that simple anyway? But let's not excuse the media and the fashion industry from the table so quickly. Even if they're not solely responsible for girls and women developing full-blown anorexia, they certainly play a role in the even bigger epidemics of disordered eating, drastic dieting, and poor body image.

I recently met four intelligent, articulate high school students who are participating in the Dove Reality Diaries. With zero hesitation, all four of them said they would sign up for plastic surgery (from liposuction to nose jobs) in a heartbeat if given the opportunity. Now try and convince me that all those media images of thinness and perfection don't have a dangerous impact.

Will Models Unionize?

The Independent is reporting that a group of successful models in the U.K. is trying to join the Equity union, which represents actors and performers. "Models have no voice; no one is listening to them and no one is asking them what they want," said Martin Brown, an Equity spokesman who has been involved in the negotiations with the models since the spring. Spot on! He said: "We were approached earlier this year by a group of models who said they needed a union. They complained they had no one to represent them and that if something went wrong and they went to their agencies they were warned not to complain because they would not work again."

As I wrote about during New York Fashion Week, a union is exactly the kind of shake-up that needs to happen in the industry, and it's probably the only thing that will result in real rights and protections. Models (most of whom are very young and eager to please) face harsh working conditions and unhealthy pressures within a system where there is zero accountability. A union could change that--if enough models were willing to take the risk and join. We are working to organize a meeting in the U.S. If you're interested in getting involved, please get in touch. There is strength in numbers!

Drunkorexia: Starving and Boozing

First there was diabulimia. Now there is drunkorexia--another new and buzzworthy term for some not-so-new behavior. According to this report on The Morning Show (featuring our friend Sondra Kronberg, an eating disorders specialist from the National Eating Disorders Association of Long Island), 30% of women ages 18-23 restrict food calories so they can drink more and not gain weight from their alcohol consumption.

All of the women interviewed for the piece (as well as the studio audience) fell into the "Well, duh. Of course I've done that before!" category, which makes us think that "drunkorexia" isn't always just a college phase that girls grow out of. Millions of women are willing to subject themselves to dangerous fad diets, plastic surgery, and speed-laced weight loss pills; we can't say we were surprised to learn that the health consequences of letting large amounts of alcohol absorb directly into the bloodstream seem to be of little concern when compared to the calorie-saving "benefits." As one aspiring model and self-identified drunkorexic put it, "You want to stay skinny but you want to go out and look good and have fun." And what about the known health risks? "You just try to block it out," she says. Actually, black out is probably more accurate.

Fun with Lolcats

[I Can Has Cheezburger] Merci ayjaykay for the tip.

Day of Action to Support Mental Health Parity

Today's the day. Let's show a united front and make sure that mental health parity legislation is passed this year! Here's what you can do.

Retouching 101: Lingerie Models Edition

Finally! The real trick to getting rid of a sexy beer girl gut. Know any boys stashing Victoria's Secret catalogs in their rooms? They might appreciate this educational video. Remember, it's not just girls who need to get the full picture of how retouching works.

Enjoy the Shakira soundtrack, please. We certainly did. Thanks to Back in Skinny Jeans for finding this one.

Action Alert: Support Mental Health Parity on Friday, December 7th

Take a few minutes to make make mental health parity a reality. Together, we can improve access to care for millions of Americans who suffer from eating disorders, addictions and mental illness.

Action: On Friday, December 7, use the toll-free Parity Hotline, 1-866-parity4 (1-866-727-4894), to call your representative and senators and leave a message urging their active support for the mental health and addiction parity legislation. (The Parity Hotline reaches the U.S. Capitol switchboard, which can connect callers to the offices of their members.)

Message: “I am calling to ask the senator/representative to not let another year go by without passing mental health and addiction parity legislation. Please work with the Leadership to pass parity now that includes the treatment of eating disorders.”

Background: S. 558, a compromise negotiated over the previous two years, passed the Senate under unanimous consent on September 18. H.R. 1424, approved by three House committees, will next go to the Rules Committee and the House Floor. We hope that the negotiations that are now underway between the House and Senate are successful in devising one compromise bill that can pass in both the Senate and House.

This session of Congress will end around December 21. If parity is not passed by then the issue will lapse over into 2008, when many expect it will be lost in an election year deadlock. With one massive grassroots telephone call-in day we hope to impress Congress with a united front that says the parity issue must not be set aside again.

J. Love Loves Her Size 2 Body. Did You Hear That, World? She's a Size 2!

Jennifer Love Hewitt has come out swinging in response to the "unflattering" published photos of her in a bikini (otherwise known as Badonkgate). "I've sat by in silence for a long time now about the way women's bodies are constantly scrutinized, " the Ghost Whisperer star writes on her blog. "To set the record straight, I'm not upset for me, but for all of the girls out there that are struggling with their body image...A size 2 is not fat! Nor will it ever be. And being a size 0 doesn't make you beautiful."

Yay to Jennifer for talking back. I do believe she genuinely wants to send a positive message to girls. I have to throw in my (size) 2 cents here, though. Yes, Hollywood has been drinking the diet Kool-Aid for far too long. And yes, it is insane that J. Love's body became the subject of such ridicule. But listen closely and you'll catch the point where her offense turns into defense. She's itty bitty! She's a SIZE 2, everyone! Those pictures were taken from a bad angle!

Not too long ago, Tyra's beach photos ended up in the tabloids. She also wanted to protect young girls from being influenced by the mean-spirited snark flying in her direction. So she went on national television to make a tearful, impassioned speech, telling all the haters to kiss her fat ass. She just happened to make that speech in the same bathing suit she was photographed in, thus proving that her ass was not as fat as it appeared in those pics. But what if she really did have a big booty? And what if Jennifer wore a size 4, 6, or something larger? Would either celebrity have jumped so quickly to advertise her measurements as part of her pro-body acceptance platform?

I suppose all the mixed messages really boil down to the fact that these are women with some good intentions, hurt feelings, and bruised egos. By going public with their stalkarazzi frustrations, Jennifer and Tyra have drawn attention to just how crazy it is to work in Hollywood--a place producer Clifford Streit describes as "a sea of desperation surrounding the Beverly Hills Hotel."

In an industry where thinness and beauty are job requirements, actresses can make headlines when they critique those pressures. And while they've got the microphone, it's not hard to understand why they feel cornered into reassuring the world (and casting directors) that they are, in reality, still thin and beautiful.

Many Use Food to Communicate Their Need for Help. Few Understand That.

These two ads are from ABA (Associazione per lo studio e la ricerca sull’anoressia, la bulimia e i disordini alimentari), the Italian eating disorder association. The text reads, "Many use food to communicate their need for help. Few understand that."

Food and eating are ways of expressing what the sufferer is afraid to express directly. Instead of reaching out and saying "I need help," people with disordered eating turn to food or they turn away from it. These ads make that basic fact clear, but we would like to see the series expanded to show how disordered eating has become a universal language that women and men of all shapes, sizes, ages, and ethnicities have learned to speak. Young Jennifer Connelly look-a-likes (could that girl be her doppleganger?) are certainly not the only ones who are fluent.

What's your impression of this campaign? [Osocio]

America's Next "Real People" Models

Simon Rogers runs a talent agency called Ugly NY. He's not looking for high fashion or fierce. No, his job is to scout models with a certain je ne sais quoi. Despite the provocative agency name, the models signed to Ugly NY aren't all ugly--they are "unusual" and "unique." Remember that episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm where Larry's blind friend thinks he's dating a model (played by the amazing Jackie Hoffman)? Well, maybe she was a model after all.

There is a growing market for "real people" models. It seems that Madison Avenue is cashing in on America's recent love affair with homegrown celebrity and the average albeit quirky Joe. Perhaps that explains why YouTube sensation Tay Zonday is now the star of a Dr. Pepper commercial?

We're all about seeing more real people when we flip the channels and flip through magazines. The downside here is that "ugly" amateurs generally get paid a fraction of what the pretty pros make (shocker). Advertisers say that they're not just trying to save a few bucks by hiring these mostly nonunion workers left and right, but we suspect that many real people are getting really bad deals.

And because everything goes back to reality television, Rogers says that Ugly NY will be the subject of an upcoming cable reality show. Yeah, we'll be watching. [New York Times]

Tipping the Scales: Responsible Reporting on Eating Disorders

Reporters search for facts and figures. Stories with shock value are tantamount to striking gold. And that's why when we hear about eating disorders in the news, we get numbers and we get extremes. Two recent examples:

Israeli model Hila Elmalich tragically passed away from anorexia; practically every blog and news outlet made her weight at the time of her death the focal point of their coverage. For a reporter, this number is a crucial piece of information. For most readers, the number instantly distances us from her experience. There is a voyeuristic, freak show effect that washes over us. We shake our heads at the sad reality that someone could make herself so sick. But the truth is that eating disorders are all around us, in every shape and size. We never give details about how much weight we lost when we were suffering with eating disorders for exactly that reason (and to avoid triggering pro-anas, of course). Those numbers are not a measure of our suffering.

A few weeks ago we posted about the Salon story on Diabulimia. Claire noted that the symptoms and behavior described in the article were not new, but the term "diabulimia" certainly was. Reporters quickly latched onto it. Although this eating disordered behavior has long been a problem, it didn't get extensive coverage until it got repackaged with a sexy new name. Check out writer Nancy Matsumoto's account of the personal conflicts she faced when covering diabulimia for People magazine.

If you are a reporter, editor or writer, we encourage you to read these tips on responsible reporting from the National Eating Disorders Association. As a media consumer, remember that every time you see a sensational story about an emaciated anorexic who starved herself to a shocking XX pounds!, there are millions of other people with eating disorders. Their weight might not be so shocking, but their pain is very real.

The Monstrous Regiment of Women: Loose Ladies With Chips on Their Shoulders

I'm compelled to wander away from our body image beat for a minute to share a true gem. Y'all are going to want to add this to your Netflix queue immediately. I actually thought it was a joke at first. But no, it's the real deal.



This trailer is for The Monstrous Regiment of Women: Extolling Femininity, Blasting Feminism. It's a film by the Gunn Brothers, who specialize in "faithful, Christian filmmaking." The cast of characters includes Phyllis Schlafly (naturally) along with a woman who used to be in the "abortion business," a representative from Ladies Against Feminism, an ex-cadet who holds up the rampant sexual assault of women as the reason women shouldn't serve in the military, a Quiverfull mom who thinks most people in the world hate children, and the author of Raising Maidens of Virtue: A Study of Feminine Loveliness for Mothers and Daughters. Lest we forget, some women really do believe they should live their lives according to Ye Olde Misogyny.

Pregnant Christina Aguilera Gets Naked

The blogs are a-buzzin' about the January cover of Marie Claire, featuring a very pregnant (and very orange, we might add) Christina Aguilera baring her belly and some boobage.

Kelly Mills at Strollerderby writes, "Lord knows I have no problems with nudity (in fact I'm on the pro side of it) and sure, pregnant women can be sex symbols. Be my guest. But I'm starting to get irritated with the phenomenon because of course the burgeoning stars are given the same treatment as everyone in magazines, meaning they are airbrushed and shrunk down and reshaped into this bizarre aesthetic."

The Jezebel gals think Christina looks "vaguely demented in the face." They also point to Maxim's latest "9 Hottest Pregnant Women, Ever" slideshow. Can you guess which models and actresses are on that list? Hmmm, Angelina? Check. Halle Berry? Check. Brooke Burke? Hell to the yeah. You get the idea.

Back in Skinny Jeans is on the fence: "I'm a Christina fan. I love her talent, flair, and panache but honestly, I don't know what to think about this cover and layout... I'm all for the idea of promoting the image that during pregnancy women can still be sexy and fashionable. But, do you have to pose half naked in leather on a magazine cover to communicate that message? I don't think so."

And Meredith at the Baby Bump Project puts it simply, "I will say that the public (and sexy) pregnancy has been well and truly cemented in popular culture and I definitely think the exposure of pregnant bodies is here to stay."

In the world of women's magazines, what you see is not what you get. Real-life blemishes and wrinkles are nowhere to be found, so you can certainly forget about spotting stretch marks. Mainstream media now seem particularly obsessed with serving up these fantasies of flawless, glowing pregnancies and miraculous baby weight loss success stories. Meanwhile, pregnant women and new moms are feeling more and more pressure to look perfect, and younger women are already wondering how they'll be able to endure the body pressures that go hand-in-hand with becoming a mom. Coincidence? We think not. What do you think?

Ana Carolina Reston: Died of Anorexia, November 15, 2006 | Hila Elmalich: Died of Anorexia, November 14, 2007

We have just learned that Israeli model Hila Elmalich passed away as a result of anorexia. She died on November 14th, almost exactly one year after Brazilian model Ana Carolina Reston lost her battle with the same eating disorder. Reston's death prompted us to launch our 5 Resolutions to Transform the Fashion and Beauty Industries. Today we got another sobering reminder that this work must continue. And we take comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone.

Elmalich's friend, fashion photographer and agent Adi Barkan (pictured at right, with a hospitalized Elmalich over two years ago), is raising awareness among Israeli fashion agencies. Over 30 Israeli CEOs have agreed to hire models for their advertisements only after they pass a health exam. [Israel 21C]

We have also called for health exams, and our own survey showed that both medical professionals and fashion industry professionals agree that of all the proposed recommendations, exams would be the most effective way to protect the health of models. But despite support for the idea, in the U.S. it's still just that--an idea. Other industries have figured it out. There's no reason why the fashion industry can't, too.

Barkan put it best when he said, "They say a lot but they did nothing yet, so let's do it! Because from talking nothing will move." Ready to start taking some action?

Thanksgiving with an Eating Disorder

A holiday centered around food and family is a huge challenge for those who suffer with disordered eating. Today as we rush off to share meals with our nearest and dearest, we are especially grateful for recovery. We remember clearly where we came from and how much we want to help and support others who are still struggling. Our thoughts are with all of you who are working so hard to get healthy. We believe in you--we are thankful to count you among our readers.

12 Ideas to Help People with Eating Disorders Negotiate the Holidays

Eating disorders information and referral helpine: (800) 931-2237

Place Your Bids: Auction to Support Eating Disorders Awareness

As "Black Friday" approaches, here's a way to put the spending towards a good cause (and avoid the retail madness). The National Eating Disorders Association is running an online auction. Items up for grabs include beauty products, jewelry, travel packages and celebrity goodies. We know there must someone on your list who would appreciate a Metallica-autographed guitar. Bidding is open until December 2nd. Good luck!

Does This Photo Look Familiar?

This is a 1989 Herb Ritts photograph of the supermodel old guard. There's Stephanie, Cindy, Christy, Naomi and Tatjana. And now for something completely different...

Kanye West's Mother Dies as a Result of Cosmetic Surgery Complications

This news just breaks our hearts. Publicist Patricia Green has confirmed that Dr. Donda West, mother of Kanye West and and manager of the star's businesses and educational foundation, has died at the age of 58 after complications from a cosmetic surgery procedure.

Donda West was the author of Raising Kanye: Life Lessons from the Mother of a Hip-Hop Star. She had a 31-year career as an English professor, eventually chairing Chicago State University's English department before leaving academia in 2004 to help manage her son's career.

Ms. Green said: "May Donda's work and deeds be an inspiration to each of us, may we start each day knowing that support of family and community are central to purpose." [BBC] [Telegraph]

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dr. West's name to the Kanye West Foundation/Loop Dreams Teacher Training Institute.

Do You Think I'm Fat?

This PSA was produced by the National Eating Disorders Association:



There are some striking similarities between this spot and the much-discussed Dove "Onslaught" campaign. For the record, we love both. But given the recent criticism of Dove (thanks to Kelly at Strollerderby for the link), we do think it's important to make the distinction between advertising and a public service announcement. So let's be clear. The message above has absolutely no affiliation with any global corporation responsible for online games like "Is Your Shower Hottie Ready?"

Eating Disorder + Diabetes = Diabulimia

Remember when everyone was talking about how Halle Berry claimed to have cured herself of Type 1 diabetes? Then doctors chimed in to say she must be mistaken because it could be life-threatening for a Type 1 diabetic to stop taking insulin. Well, there are thousands of girls and young women with diabetes who are willing to take that risk. The reason? Weight loss.

Salon reports on an eating disorder called diabulimia. Sufferers are Type 1 diabetics who willingly skip their insulin shots because of the effects it has on their weight. If they take insulin, they plump up and have to carefully regulate everything they eat. If they skip the insulin, they can binge all they want and watch the pounds melt off. But this miracle diet also results in hair loss, extreme fatigue, confusion, and tingling extremities. And that's just in the short term. In the long term, sufferers will likely go blind, lose a limb or suffer a heart attack. Size 2 today and dialysis down the road? Because a high percentage of diabulimics are teenagers, the future dangers may be harder to grasp than the present benefits.

Diabulimia is not a new disorder. I worked at an eating disorders organization ten years ago and we got several calls a week about diabetes and eating disorders. The connection between diabetes and eating disorders makes sense when you consider how carefully diabetics must structure their lives around food and weight management. What is relatively new, say doctors, is the ease with which diabulimics can find each other online and trade tips and tricks. Yep, there are pro-diabulimics online, too.

In a recent study conducted by the Eating Disorders Institute, of 87 patients diagnosed with diabetes in childhood, 36 percent admitted to misusing insulin in order to control their weight -- but only when they were asked a decade later. Patients with diabulimia have a mortality rate of 34.8 percent per year. It is the die in diabulimia that is the harshest wake up call. [Salon]

Has Spock Joined the Fat Acceptance Movement?

Leonard Nimoy (yes that Leonard Nimoy) has a new book of photographs called The Full Body Project, featuring images of full-figured women. It also includes a foreword written by one of our favorite authors, Natalie Angier. Admittedly, our first reaction was something along the lines of "Huh?!?" However, Nimoy actually sounds pretty serious about the cause.

"The average American woman," he writes, "weighs 25 percent more than the models selling the clothes. There is a huge industry built up around selling women ways to get their bodies closer to the fantasy ideal. Pills, diets, surgery, workout programs. . . The message is 'You don't look right. If you buy our product, you can get there.'" Right on, Leo. That all sounds so, um, logical. Sorry! We couldn't resist. And we are definitely not doing the Vulcan hand salute right now. [Digest]

Related: Does This Photo Look Familiar?

Update: One of our commenters tipped us off to this excellent NPR interview with Nimoy.

Fashion Statement: Stephen Colbert

Stephen Colbert has proven himself to be quite the fashionista. When introducing Nancy Pelosi at Monday night's Glamour Awards, he had this to say:

"I am here tonight because I love Glamour. I love its lifestyle. I love the magazine. I have my own personal do's and don'ts. Do work a retro up-do, with a little headband. Don't criticize the president. And I just love fashion. This season, I love high-waisted pants. I adore Oxford pumps—no, ankle booties! And if you have a sweater dress? Make it even better—belt it! If it wasn't so cold tonight I would have ditched my wing-tips and worn my platform mandals... And I think we all know that the fashion moment of the year has to be Nancy Pelosi marching the S-CHIP bill up to the White House in her Veto-Me pumps."

If we had more time, we would create a Stephen Colbert fashion show, but for now those images will have to live in our imaginations. Want to flex your Photoshop muscles? Send your Stephen Colbert models here: 5resolutions[at]insidebeauty[dot]org.

[NY Observer]

Dove Launches "Reality Diaries" Series

As part of its Self-Esteem Fund, Dove has just released Reality Diaries, a six-week web series following four teen girls:

Sydney has a mom whose idea of bonding is a trip to the plastic surgeon's office for a mother/daughter neck lift and nose job.

Chelsea is a pageant girl who doesn't know much about herself except that she never feels pretty enough or thin enough.

Jordyn dates players, including one guy who told her he only likes girls with dark hair. So she dyed hers. She says she's always wearing a mask when she interacts with other people.

Irene is the only Asian girl in her school and she's starting to wake up to the fact that the "cute" names her classmates call her ("China," "Spicy Asian Won Ton") are actually pretty racist.

Reality television has long been built on the issues of young women with low self-esteem. From The Bachelor and The Real World to Rock of Love and The Hills, Americans are used to seeing weepy girls self-destruct and make terrible choices in front of the camera. The difference here is that the goal of Reality Diaries is to stop the girls from self-destructing and to give viewers (who will sadly but surely relate to these girls) the tools to get their self-esteem in check, too. Watch it and tell us what you think.

Related: Dove "Onslaught" Campaign

Tyra Touts Queen of Botox as "Body Image Expert"

On last week's episode of America's Next Top Model, Tyra sat the girls down for a serious talk about body image in the fashion industry. Not surprisingly, the discussion was one of Tyra's trademark mixed messages gab fests that basically amounted to, "Girls, even though you are all beautiful and I don't think you need to lose any weight, those other mean people in the business are going to tell you to get thinner and that makes me really mad. But you kinda have to do what they tell you. Just make sure you do it in a healthy way though, 'kay? And remember, I think you're beautiful."

To reinforce her point, Tyra introduced Dr. Laurie Polis, whom she described as "having a facility and an organization that deals with beauty from the inside out." What a coincidence. We have an organization that promotes beauty from the inside out, too! Except our organization doesn't perform chemical peels and collagen injections. See, Tyra didn't mention what facility Dr. Laurie Polis runs. Google helped us out with that. It's called SoHo Skin & Laser Dermatology (a.k.a. medspa to the stars. Dr. Polis does acupuncture in addition to cosmetic treatments, but we're guessing that's probably not the bread and butter of her business). Really, TyTy? Couldn't you have tracked down an expert who actually deals with, I don't know, body image? And how are your girls supposed to smile with their eyes if their faces are frozen from Botox?

The Exciting Game of Career Women: You Can't Win

You show too much cleavage. Bad for: Executive.
You are angry. Bad for: Every job. You should be nicer. No wait, you should be more assertive. Actually, maybe you should just stay home.

We've come a long way from What Shall I Be: The Exciting Game of Career Girls. Or have we? Women's career options have certainly expanded, but there are still wage gaps, double standards, and a whole set of conflicting rules and messages about how we're supposed to wield our feminine "personalities" in the office.

The New York Times reports that professional women just can't catch a break. Expressing anger is a plus for men, but it's a big negative for women. Women executives are seen as incompetent if they show cleavage (Secretaries, you can sex it up all you want. Your colleagues will still see you as competent. Mad Men, anyone?), but please don't be unfeminine, ladies. No one likes a butchy boss. And that's pretty much the bottom line. “Women have to choose between being liked but not respected, or respected but not liked,” says Joan Williams, who runs the Center for WorkLife Law. When people are asked what qualities they value most in a leader, it doesn't seem to matter what qualities they name. In every case, they say women are lacking. Ouch.

Is there a silver lining here? Study after study clearly shows that gender stereotypes are alive and kicking all of us in the ass. Most researchers agree that companies need to step up and do something about it. Perhaps we can get things started with a fun-filled night of playing board games with our co-workers? [New York Times]

You are a Slow Thinker. Bad for: Airline Hostess and Nurse

As I wrote about yesterday, What Shall I Wear? A Fashion Game for Girls opened my eyes to the importance of dressing to the nines. I missed out on What Shall I Be? The Exciting Game of Career Girls, though. I didn't even know of its existence until a few years ago, when I found it at the WFMU record fair/nerd farm. I gleefully shelled out $40 on the spot to take it home and uncover its wonders.

What Shall I Be? came out in 1966 (pre-dating What Shall I Wear? by three years). The game challenged girls to reach for the stars and imagine their futures--as ballet dancers, models, actresses, nurses, teachers, and airline hostesses. The most amazing and utterly hilarious part of What Shall I Be? is the object of the game. To become a career girl, you must collect school cards (nursing school, charm school, drama school, etc.) that match up with your personality cards. Not only do many of the "personalities" have absolutely nothing to do with personality, they are chock full of Bitchy McMeanGirl material. Here are a few highlights...

You are overweight. Bad for: Airline Hostess, Ballet Dancer, and Model (Better stick to Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, fatties!)
You are pretty. Good for: Model and Actress (Help Wanted. Ugly nurses inquire within.)
Your make-up is too sloppy. Bad for: Airline Hostess and Model (What's up with all the ballerinas and their caked on foundation and clumpy mascara? Eeeew.)
You are a slow thinker. Bad for: Airline Hostess and Nurse. (So that's why I can't read good. It's okay, cuz I'm purty y'all. Slow teachers rule!!!)

Related: The Exciting Game of Career Women: You Can't Win

What Shall I Wear? A Fashion Game for Girls

Before Bratz Fashion Party Fever (collagen-injected little bobble heads "strutting their stuff" on the dance floor!), there was What Shall I Wear? A Fashion Game for Girls. This gem came onto the scene in 1969. I discovered it years later after some older girl decided to unload hers at a yard sale for a dollar. It was a classy game, kids. You had to make your way around the board by visiting different boutiques and collecting outfit cards that matched up with your "invitations."

Mr. and Mrs. Adams request the honor of your presence at a formal dinner in honor of Ambassador White. Charmed, I'm sure. Get me a ball gown and gloves to match, stat! Tod Smith, the movie star, gave me tickets to the premiere of his picture. I'd like to have you come with me. Signed, Jim. Jim sounds so earnest! Wait, who's Tod Smith? Whatevs. Break out the silk and the stole! There were picnic dates and job interviews and train rides to get yourself dolled up for, too. There was even a black model on the board (nowadays they are few and far between on the runways and in fashion mags). All the ensembles were tailored, sophisticated, and not the teeniest bit slutty. I don't think I understood that the game was totally retro until I found What Shall I Be? The Exciting Game of Career Girls.

Salt-N-Pepa: Let's Talk About...Bulimia

If you haven't been tuning in to watch the madcap celebreality adventures of Salt-N-Pepa, you missed Cheryl "Salt" Wray's tearful confession about why she quit the group back in 2002—a decision that left Pepa mighty confused and pissed off. It turns out that Salt was suffering from bulimia. Pepa didn't know it at the time, but according to this recent Essence interview, there were some signs:

Salt: One time we were in Europe and Pepa came into my bathroom and asked, ‘Why is your toilet seat up?’ You remember that?
Pepa: Yeah, I was like: ‘Do you have a man in here?’ Wow.

Salt goes on to say that her eating disorder was the result of a combination of stresses, including a turbulent home life growing up and the pressures of being in a looks-obsessed business. "I never thought I was pretty because I went through a chubby stage as a teenager—and kids are mean—so I had to fight girls all the time. Bulimia is an addiction like any other addiction. I know a lot of people don’t understand it, but it’s the thing that caught me by the throat."

Salt is healthy today and thankfully it's all peace, love, and understanding between the first ladies of hip hop, despite the glaring differences in their lifestyles. The moral of this story? If you see a friend's toilet seat up when it shouldn't be, think twice. Then find out how you can help. [Essence]

Trista Diets, Milla Binges: Yo-Yo-ing Moms are So Hot Right Now

Remember Trista Sutter? Yeah, we thought her 15 minutes were over, too. But it seems that even D-list reality celebs can come out of the woodwork to appear on the cover of Us Weekly--if they have a juicy baby weight loss story to tell. Trista says she feels "totally disgusted" with her "blubbery" belly. “When I fit into my size 26 Hudson jeans, then I’ll be happy.” And her Prince Charming husband Ryan is sooo supportive and awesome. "If I eat something that I shouldn’t, Ryan shakes his finger at me and says, ‘Uh, uh, uh!’" says Trista. Ugh, ugh, ugh. We're betting on a follow-up mommy makeover story in January. Trista will be out of those dowdy sweatpants and showing off her new "sexy" body. Can't wait. [Us Weekly]

Then there's Milla. According to the British glossy Grazia, the pregnant model recently got a hankering for some bone marrow, so she scoured all of Paris for a leg of cow, sliced it in half, scooped out the good stuff, and slathered it on a slice of bread. Carnivorous! Fabulous!

"As an actress and model, I lived on cigarettes and coffee, and jet-lag tended to kill off any appetite I had." She says pregnancy has opened up a world of yummy feasting opportunities.

"My diet for most of this year has been - for breakfast, four eggs with bacon, toast and butter, if I was at home. Then if I was at a diner, I'd have a Mexican omelette, a stack of pancakes and strawberry milkshake. I'd stuff myself with cookies all morning - whatever was in the cupboard really - then I'd have a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts for dessert. And I once ate two whole packs of coffee cake in one sitting!" [Guardian]

We're inclined to say that Mistress Katinka has the right attitude. Hearty meals beat coffee and cigarettes, we'll give her that. We also love that she's not blathering on about baby weight. However, this new research showing connections between pregnancy and binge eating disorder got us a little worried about those doughnut and cookie rampages. For some women who have lived most of their lives as undereaters, pregnancy can feel like a free pass. Add to that the general stress of growing a baby and you've got a recipe for compulsive overeating. Hopefully Milla enjoys lots of normal, healthy chowing down as a new mommy. We definitely don't want her going back on the model diet.

As for Trista, if she's looking for happiness in size 26 jeans, she's got a rude awakening coming to her in about, oh, eight weeks.

Support the Mothers Act--Contact Your Senators

Monday we wrote about mothers with eating disorders. Today we are participating in BlogHer's Blog Day for the MOTHERS Act because we're all about taking action over here. Even if you're not a mom, you probably have one and you certainly know some, right? Take a few minutes and get on board.

Here's the background: The MOTHERS Act (Mom’s Opportunity to Access Help, Education, Research, and Support for Postpartum Depression) will ensure that new moms and their families are educated about postpartum depression, screened for symptoms, and provided with essential services. It will also increase research into the causes, diagnoses and treatments for postpartum depression.

Here's what you can do: Contact your senators today and tell them you support the MOTHERS Act. We will also be encouraging our senators to consider screening new moms for eating disorder symptoms, which can often be linked to depression.

Okay, go to it!

Related: New Moms and Moms-to-be are Depressed and Unhappy With Their Bodies

Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Have Eating Disorders

Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Have Eating Disorders

Pro-ana websites aren't just for teen girls admiring photos of Nicole Richie. Now eating disordered mothers are trading tricks, tips and advice, too. One of these online communities called "ana_moms" has 302 members and another 318 watchers with user names like starvinmommy and wannadisappear. "How do you meal-plan when you plan not to eat? How do you stay thin without giving your kids an eating disorder?" asks the moderator in her introduction to the website.

Here's the thing: If you're spending your time online comparing yourself to Kate Hudson when she was pregnant ("the kind of mom we see when we look in the mirror") and post-pregnancy ("the kind of mom we want to look like"), there is just no way you will be able to help your daughters and sons develop healthy attitudes about food. It doesn't matter what positive messages you give your kids about weight if you're constantly contradicting yourself with your own behavior. Stop worrying about how you will hide your eating disorder from your children and start doing the work to get your disordered eating in check.

The fact that many mothers struggle with serious weight and body image problems shouldn't be such a news flash; the existence of ana_moms is just one extreme manifestation of a much larger issue. After all, it is estimated that ten million women suffer from eating disorders, so it would stand to reason that a good number of them are or will become moms. It's ridiculous to assume that pregnancy and motherhood magically trump all the body image concerns (and sometimes serious eating disorders) we had before. Those problems don't just disappear in some blissed out mommy haze. And sometimes they can actually get worse. Yet instead of real support and solutions, women get Hollywood Bump Watch and Mommy Makeovers. What's going on? We deserve better. [MamaVision]

"No Anorexia" Ad Banned in Italy

Italy's Publicity Control Unit (IAP) has banned the controversial "No Anorexia" campaign, ordering billboards to removed. Well, actually there's only one billboard that still remains in Rome since the campaign is pretty much over at this point.

"The photo is shocking for everyone, particularly those who are sick, and has been set up for commercial ends," IAP President Giorgio Floridia told AFP news agency. We would add this correction: the campaign was shocking for everyone. When they first saw it. A month ago. "Banning" it now just gives the campaign another wave of publicity. [BBC News]

See all posts related to the "No Anorexia" campaign.

Post-it Activism

The "post-it revolution" is an interesting project started by We Bite Back. The idea is simple: Write a positive message about body image on a post-it, then stick it where women will see it. Mine was inspired by this strange article in the Daily Mail. Since I'll be traveling the scenic NJ turnpike today, I think I'll bring my activism to the Walt Whitman rest stop. And maybe Molly Pitcher, too, if I'm feeling extra inspired. What does your post-it say? Where did you stick it? [We Bite Back]

Related: Would You Rather Be a Role Model or a Supermodel?

October 18th is "Love Your Body Day"

Back in 1998, I spoke at a Times Square "Feed the Models" rally to celebrate the first annual Love Your Body Day. I'm still fighting the good fight, except these days it's in front of my computer, guzzling caffeine (I knew that espresso machine would be dangerous. Damn those little pods.) and working to meet a looming deadline. For me, this year's Love Your Body Day consisted of rocking out to GNR on the elliptical and throwing away some shoes that, despite their super hot fabulousness, tore up my feet so bad I practically needed to wrap them in gauze for a week. Hey, sometimes it doesn't take much to tell your body you care. How about you? How did you celebrate? [Love Your Body Day]

Anorexia, Ecstasy, and Addiction

What do anorexia and the club drug ecstasy have in common? It's not trance music or glow sticks.

A paper published this week reports that both anorexia and ecstasy reduce the drive to eat by stimulating the same subset of receptors for the neurotransmitter serotonin. These receptors (called 5-HT4) are located in a part of the brain associated with feelings of reward; they are also known to play a role in addiction. In other words, anorexics can get "hooked" on starvation.

French scientist Valerie Compan and her colleagues found that stimulating these receptors caused anorexic-like behavior in mice, while blocking the receptors increased food intake. Their research could lead to new treatments and help build a greater understanding of the addictive aspects of anorexia.

"Our studies over seven years now open the possibility that 5-HT4 receptor could represent an important therapeutic target to treat patients suffering from these disorders," Compan said.

We feel bad for those poor little anorexic mice, but we're glad to hear that they got some effective treatment. We are excited to find out if it will work on humans, too. [Reuters] [Telegraph]

Alyssa Milano Takes on the Supergirl Dilemma...With Teen Steam!

A recent Girls Inc. study called The Supergirl Dilemma shows that girls are feeling increasing pressure to be perfect, thin, and accommodating. Three-quarters (74%) of girls in the study agree that girls are under a lot of pressure to please everyone. Not only does Alyssa Milano feel their pain, she's also got quite the catchy the solution. It's time to blow off some Teen Steam. Happy Friday!



[You Tube] via [Lindsayism]

New Moms and Moms-to-be are Depressed and Unhappy With Their Bodies

More and more evidence is pointing to the fact that pregnancy can be a heavy time--and not just in terms of pounds. Many pregnant women and new moms face depression, serious body image issues, and even disordered eating:

A study published in the October issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry reveals that 1 in 7 new mothers are identified as having depression during at least one phase of pregnancy--8.7%, 6.9%, and 10.4% of the women had a record of depression before, during, or after pregnancy. Since those numbers only reflect the reported cases, it's safe to assume the true numbers are much higher. [Medscape, sub required]

Women who regularly read tabloids are more likely to describe themselves as "fat" than those who do not follow celebrity culture, and feel heightened pressure to lose their baby weight quickly after delivery.

In a study published in Psychological Medicine, researchers at the University of North Carolina found that "eating for two" can be compulsive. Some women, who never had eating disorders before, develop binge eating disorders when they become pregnant. [Science Daily]

In the U.K., a study of 1,104 women showed that 2 percent developed an eating disorder while pregnant. [Telegraph]

And what's on the menu of solutions, support, and resources for women dealing with these issues? Well, it's slim pickins (by slim, we mean, "get that pre-baby body back quick, you fat ass!"). Here are a couple of options:

Post-pregnancy plastic surgery (which we wrote about here) is the hot new trend. Last year, doctors nationwide performed more than 325,000 “mommy makeover procedures” on women ages 20 to 39, up 11 percent from 2005. [New York Times]

Oh, and the authors of Skinny Bitch are hard at work on a new eating guide for pregnant women (Hmmm, will it be titled Hungry, Cranky Mommy Desperate to Gnaw on a Big Hunk of Cheese?). [MSNBC]

So for all you new moms, just stay focused on losing that baby weight. Let's hope you don't lose your minds in the process.

*All joking aside, please call the National Eating Disorders Association at 1-800-931-2237 if you need information or referrals.

Photo credit: Misty Woodward

Related:
Extreme Mommy Makeovers
Baby Bumps and Skinny Jeans

The Woman Behind the "No Anorexia" Ad

There has been much buzz about Isabelle Caro, the anorexic woman who appears in the new "No Anorexia" advertising campaign, but stateside we haven't heard much from Caro herself. Not unless you count the predictably sensational coverage on shows like Entertainment Tonight/The Insider, who actually showed footage of Caro stepping onto a scale and then reported her weight for all the pro-anas to post on their websites.

I found some posts from Caro's blog, written in her native French (also my first language). I am translating them here so that our readers can hear directly from a woman who is much more than an image on a billboard:

On why she did the "No Anorexia" campaign:
"To show that it isn't a model of beauty, it is the image of the true sickness that will come out of it. When it does, I hope to make understood to all of those who are dieting too severely that it can lead them to a spiral in hell. Finally, I am fighting every day and try and enjoy each little joy that life can offer, no matter how insignificant! "
de montrer que ce n'est pas ça un modèle de beauté c'est l'image de la veritable maladie qui en resortira et là j'espère faire comprendre à toutes celles qui entreprenne un régime trop sévère peut les conduire vers la spirale de l'enfer ! enfin je me bat chaque jour et j'essaye de savourer chaque petite joie aussi infime soit elle que la vie peut m'offrire!"

On doing TV interviews:
"Because the whole point for me to give interviews on TV is to help young women in need of help to understand the danger of this sickness and avoid falling into it."
car le but pour moi de temoigner à la tv est d'aider des jeunes fille en détresse à comprendre les dander de cette maladieet de les éviters de tomber là dedans!

In fact, being in the spotlight was a risky move for Caro, whose health is obviously very fragile. When the campaign first became public, Caro's aide was quoted as saying that her phone rang up to 40 times an hour with calls from the press. In the midst of the media frenzy, Caro forgot to take one of her food supplements and could have suffered a stroke. But just three hours after fainting, she was back talking to reporters. I can't fault the media for covering this story, but every reporter should educate him/herself on how to cover eating disorders responsibly.

Related:
Fashion Statement: Oliviero Toscani
Why is No-l-ita Offering No-Information for Sufferers?
Has the "No Anorexia" Ad Become Pro-Ana Thinspiration?

Dove "Onslaught" Campaign

Half of girls in grades 3-5 worry about their appearance. Here are several hundred reasons why:

Why is No-l-ita Offering No-Information for Sufferers?

After all this talk about the "No Anorexia" campaign, I decided to show you a picture of another nude model--me.

This is from a 1999 article in Glamour, when I first went public about my seven-year battle with bulimia. I was healthy when the photo was taken, but my body didn't look much different from when I was very sick. That's the thing about eating disorders. They don't always look so shocking.

I have a lot of mixed feelings about the No-l-ita ad campaign. First, it is of no surprise to me that the campaign comes from Oliviero Toscani. After all his years at Benetton, he has become known for this style. I think he is a great artist in his ability to increase the visibility of taboo topics. He has certainly gotten people talking with this uncomfortable, extreme image of a very sick anorexic. After Ana Carolina Reston's death last year and the declarations and recommendations of fashion councils around the world, I am glad to see the discussion continue. However, it saddens me to see that, yet again, the focus is on the extreme. Yes, sensationalism works and gets people's attention, but it's such a limited view of what eating disorders look like. I appeared on a few billboards when I was so ill and depressed I thought I would die. That desperation never showed up in the pictures, though.

Finally, publicity for the sake of it is, in my mind, very selfish, irresponsible and money-oriented. When I came out and talked publicly about my eating disorder, I didn't just want to put myself in the spotlight--I wanted to make sure that my story helped and served a purpose. That's why I searched for an organization that worked to raise awareness and helped people deal and get treatment. Whenever I talk about my own experience, I make sure that there are resources available for anyone who needs help. Since No-l-ita is taking on eating disorders as the face of their campaign, it would be thoughtful for them to give eating disorder resources on their website. When you see that billboard, what next? How about providing some information on the issue they're using to get attention? Controversy gets people buzzing. But let's make sure this is not a case of all talk and no action.

Note: We have written to No-l-ita, suggesting that they include health and referral information as part of their campaign. We have not received a response yet, but will keep you updated.

Related:
Fashion Statement: Oliviero Toscani
Has the "No Anorexia" Ad Become Pro-Ana Thinspiration?

Photo: Michael O'Neil