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Skinny male mannequins raise eating disorder fears

By Lucy Halfhead on Thursday 6 May 2010

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Male mannequin - News - Marie Claire

Eating disorder campaigners have criticised a mannequin manufacturer for bringing out a super-skinny male model that they say could encourage vulnerable men to starve themselves.

 A starved-looking male mannequin with a 27-inch waist, from British mannequin maker Rootstein, will make its debut in the UK next month, according to New York magazine.

The super-skinny figure, dubbed the ‘Homme Nouveau,' with a 35-inch chest is designed to look great in clothes, but has raised fears of eating disorders among men.

Eating disorder campaigners say the mannequins portray an unrealistic body image - the 27in waist is 11in smaller than the average British man.

The company says the mannequins were modelled on teenage boys who were not anorexic, but were perfect for modelling the skinny jeans and slim tailoring made popular by stars such as Russell Brand. But eating disorder charity Beat 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.'

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Thursday 6 May 2010

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So it seems we go one step forward with size 14 models on the runway and three steps back with slight male mannequins!

In order for a man or woman to become the dimensions that are publized, the majority will use a crash diet or a 'magic' pill to achieve the 'look'. And from this suffer from the mental implications only a unhealthy diet achieves.

All people, male and female are vulnerable when it comes to body image, not just those that are in their teens and early twenties.

England has always been the focus for style and promoting your own sense of person using fashion. We are proud of our individuality and should be but never should a woman or man be influenced by a doll to be happy with a sense of their own self!
Comment by Charlotte on May 06 12:30