Free Magazine - Obsessed With Thin: Has The Media Gone Too Far?

Beyond that, there are about 100-300 professional photographs taken for each published image you see. They are taken from the absolute best angle in perfect lighting with the clothes pinned just so. And as if that wasn't enough, the models hair and makeup is always professionally done and is constantly touched up by a makeup artist and hair stylist standing by to make sure nothing looks less-than-perfect.

"I think women see me on the cover of magazines and think that I never have a pimple or bags under my eyes. You have to realize that's after two hours of hair and makeup, plus retouching. Even I don't wake up looking like Cindy Crawford."
- Cindy Crawford

According to Prevention magazine, a "healthy weight" for a woman who is 5'9" is 129-169 pounds. An average 5'9" model's weight is somewhere around 110-115 lbs. Cindy Crawford is an example of an exception to the rule: she is a model (although it's not very often that you see her--or anyone her size--anymore), and yet she's not stick-thin. Cindy Crawfod has lots of muscle--and it looks good. She is the kind of woman more magazines need to have on their covers and in their editorials. She projects strength and beauty.

"I am not the skinniest model," says Cindy. "But I have had success as a model, so I feel more confident putting on a bathing suit and standing in front of a camera. In life, I have all the insecurities anyone has. It's a cliché, but we're our own worst critics." ~

"I finally realised that I don't have to have an A-plus perfect body, and now I'm happy with the way I am." - Drew Barrymore

A recent survey commissioned by a British magazine found that:

• 79% of the 2000 women surveyed thought that their social lives would improve if they were thinner, like the star of Ally McBeal.
• 83% thought that overweight celebrities led unhappy lives, and
• 70% believed that overweight people were generally seen as less intelligent and less attractive.
• 88% of girls feel the need to "look perfect",
• 60% say their appearance is their biggest concern in life.

Recent statistics provided by Natural Health magazine found that:

• 44% of women who are average or underweight think that they are overweight.
• The average woman's dress size is 12 and the average mannequin's dress size is 6.
• The average height and weight for women age 18 to 74 years old: 5'4", 138 lbs.

In a survey conducted by Better Health Channel, they found:

• Normal weight men and women - 45 per cent of women and 23 per cent of men in the healthy weight range think they are overweight.
• Underweight women - at least 20 per cent of women who are underweight think that they are overweight and are dieting to lose weight.

According to a recent Prevention/NBC Survey,

• 60% of women have dieted or are on a diet,
  
• 44% of women refuse to be photographed in a swimsuit,
  
• and 37% of women won't play beach games while wearing swimsuits.

Please note: The models shown are to demonstrate the trend in stick-thin models. We in no way endorse the use of emaciated models and feel that it is much better to use more natural looking women in fashion and magazines.