eating disorder organisations criticise skinny male mannequins

by Matt C
(London UK)

May 7, 2010
Helen Pidd of the Gaurdian online recently highlighted a growing concern about new super-slim male mannequins. Eating disorder organisations are saying that the mannequins portray an unrealistic body image and may encourage vulnerable men to starve themselves.

The mannequins, produced by Rootstein under its ‘Young and Restless’ collection are going to have a 27inch waist, while the average British male waist is currently 38inches (according to NHS statistics).

The company says the mannequins are to model the skinny jeans and slim tailoring that is fashionable at the moment.

However, BEAT, the leading eating disorder organisation in the UK, said more men were suffering from anorexia and bulimia, and that the mannequins portrayed an unrealistic and unattainable image.

It said: "We are certainly aware of more males seeking help for their eating problems and it is recognised that they are more likely to develop an eating disorder as a result of trying to achieve a certain body shape and size.

"Men nowadays are subject to the same insecurities around their body and self-image as women are. Unrealistic images in the fashion world – such as these mannequins – and in the media still abound and the pressures they bring can lead to low self-esteem in often young and vulnerable people."

Rootstein apparently reject such criticism though, saying:
"It is a collection dictated by current fashion trends for skinny jeans and very tight tailoring, as seen everywhere from Topman to Gucci and in the edgier fashion magazines like Numéro.

"None of the boys we used as models for the mannequins were remotely anorexic. They were just teenagers – the oldest one was 20, I think”

He said the measurements for last season's mannequins were bigger, with a 38in chest and 30in waist, but that there was increasing demand for smaller models.

“But I am sure that muscle boys will have their time again."

source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/may/05/skinny-male-mannequins-eating-disorder




Matt C says:

I found this interesting as Ive just written my webpage about body image. There has been growing debate about the increase in men with eating disorders, whether it be Binge Eating, Bulimia or Anorexia Nervosa, and it is generally thought that part of the reason for this is the increasing trend for men to be subjected to the same kind of pressures to conform to unrealistic body shapes that women have traditionally been subject to. I thought this article was a timely example of this phenomena occurring.