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...