In the January 2012 issue of PLUS Model Magazine, plus-size model Katya Zharkova is featured in an explosive editorial where thought provoking statistics and statements are revealed.
*Check out all the images here*
- Twenty years ago the average fashion model weighed 8% less than the average woman. Today, she weighs 23% less.
- Ten years ago plus-size models averaged between size 12 and 18. Today the need for size diversity within the plus-size modeling industry continues to be questioned. The majority of plus-size models on agency boards are between a size 6 and 14, while the customers continue to express their dissatisfaction.
- Most runway models meet the Body Mass Index physical criteria for Anorexia.
- 50% of women wear a size 14 or larger, but most standard clothing outlets cater to sizes 14 or smaller.
If we continue to ignore and rely on others to decide what we want to see, change will never happen. We have to be vocal and proactive, patient and realistic.
Tips on how we can help create change:
- Support the companies who market to you.
- Use social networking sites and email to let brands and designers know how you feel about clothing, options and the use of straight sized models (thin models) to market to you.
- Your dollars count! If you stop buying at “Store A” and let them know you will not be purchasing clothing until they market to you, this will raise concern.
- Use every avenue and opportunity you have available to you for your voice to be heard.
- Indie designers need our support.
The answer to the question is this, there is nothing wrong with our bodies. We are bombarded with weight-loss ads every single day, multiple times a day because it’s a multi-billion dollar industry that preys on the fear of being fat. Not everyone is meant to be skinny, our bodies are beautiful and we are not talking about health here because not every skinny person is healthy.
Don’t forget to check out the entire feature by clicking HERE!
About Editor-in-Chief, Madeline Figueroa-Jones
Madeline hails from a close-knit NYC family and started her plus size modeling career with a spread in BBW magazine. In early 2003 Figueroa was selected to appear as the spokes model for the "Hips, Heels & Curves" Fashion Show, continuing on to casting director for the Dangerous Curves 2003/2004 Tour. After appearing on several television segments including Aqui Y Ahora for Univision she began reaching out to the plus size community by serving as a moderator for VenusDivas.com, Empowerment Editor for AmaZeMagazine.com. Madeline and her husband Luke reside in the Battery Park city area of NY and operate lucaspictures.net.
- Web |
- More Posts (1200)
Related posts:
- PLUS Model Magazine’s “Plus Size Bodies” Editorial On Fox 4 Dallas
- PLUS Model Magazine To Feature The Stars Behind the Controversial Editorial “Plus Size Bodies, What Is Wrong With Them Anyway?”
- When it Comes To Models, What Exactly Is “Plus-Size”?
- New Vogue Curvy Interview with Plus Size Model Fluvia Lacerda features HOT Never Seen Before Pics…
- Get Plus Model Katya Zharkova’s Beauty Look as Seen in – Plus Bodies, What is Wrong With Them Anyway?
I’m appalled by the majority of the negative comments here. WHY on earth do you come on to a PLUS SIZE MAGAZINE to post negative thoughts about plus size people. Are you THAT bored in your life. I also find it amusing that people like @Jo claim to know how models live their lives. Oh, I’m sorry, did you date one of them? Is that how you know? I’ll bet that’s it.
If you are a plus size woman more power to ya for coming on a magazine site that is AIMED AT YOU and sharing your opinion. If you are a man or thin woman WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?! We don’t sign on to your ugly people sites and make half witted comments about you. Get a life, seriously.
@ Curvey_Diva
“we’re having fun with your husbands”
Really? Did you really just allude to being a promiscuous home-wrecker in an attempt to show that you love yourself? That has nothing to with size and everything to do with an utter lack of a moral compass – thin women screw around with someone else’s husband and exercise poor sexual standards, too, but it’s nothing for anyone to be proud of. It sounds like what people think of your weight should be the least of your concerns.
I guess my natural A cup and my less curvy frame isn’t enough for all these men who apparently don’t have any respect for their wives and in direct relation, for their children (those who have them), and surprisingly enough, I’m perfectly happy that it’s not me they desire.
Like goes with like, doesn’t it?
I read this article on Facebook and I was pleased at some parts and concerned with others. I think more articles addressing women and body issues should be more balanced. In the attempt to have women love and embrace themselves and question the unrealistic demand that we all look perfect and skinny, some articles sometimes go overboard and shame skinny women or praise larger women of any size. Shouldn’t articles simple stress the need for a healthy lifestyle? Being over size 16 is, to be honest, an indication that one could be at risk for many health-related issues, so an article could provide examples of women who are this size and healthy, but also statistics of women who are not and the factors that increase health risks. They could also do the same for women who are considered underweight. That way, we could feel more accepting of not only ourselves, but of people who look different from us.
I say this because I’m tired of my skinny friends making derogatory comments about people who are heavier; of bigger people putting me down for being skinny; of people starving themselves/overeating and then complaining about how unhappy they are but how they refuse to look after themselves … How about we teach our children to think carefully and critically at an early age, to be confident in themselves and loving towards others, and to know how to care for their bodies without lashing out at others?
My apologies if these thoughts have been posted already; I didn’t get a chance to read all of your comments!
Personally, I think everyone should take care of themselves, and let others do the same. Some people are skinny, some fat and some in between. So what? If you have the ability to change the way you are and want to (or need to) then do it. If you like yourself the way you are and want to stay that way, then stay. Be true to YOURSELF. Too many people are trying to be coaches or weight terrorists in today’s society. Too skinny, too fat, to boyish, too curvy…etc. Make it a goal to know your own body. Be YOU. If your trying to make yourself feel better by making rude remarks or being a jerk…get a life and shut up. Better yet, GO AWAY!
@ SIngle Much – What right do YOU have to tell people what sites they can go on? Not that its any of your business, but I ended up on this site after reading the article in the NY Daily News. This issue concerns ALL women not just YOU. Thin women are ALSO expected to live up to ridiculous standards. Its not healthy for their self-esteem either.Not only that but it concerns society as a whole. This issue affects everyone! I’m not condoning any insults made by other posters, but your comments were directed towards ALL the thin women AND men on this site. How dare you tell anyone what they can or can’t read OR comment on? People like YOU are part of the problem. You expect fair treatment, concern for your self-esteem, respect, etc BUT you don’t give those things to others.
Maybe even more annoying than the infighting in these comments between women of different shapes and sizes – all the ones from men assuring us that they love us when we’re curvy. But not TOO curvy. Don’t lose too much weight because they hate us when we’re skinny! But don’t gain too much either because ew, fatties! It doesn’t feel any better than being told we must be slim. We’re still being expected to maintain a very specific standard for men – it just has a few more pounds than other standards do.
@Grace I’m sorry to have so TERRIBLY offended you. I am of course in NO WAY telling anyone what they can and can’t do. I’m simply commenting on the NEGATIVE comments that are on here. In fact, I didn’t even read what you said so you needn’t think it was an attack on you. I rarely make comments at all on articles like this and you have just reminded me why. I’m actually quite secure in my mild chubbiness so I was really just trying to stick up for others. Again, let no good deed go unpunished.
@ Single Much- I was not TERRIBLY offended by what you said. I don’t know you so your opinion is not that important to me. As for your goal being to defend people against negative comments, if that is so then why did you say,”If you are a man or thin woman WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?! We don’t sign on to your ugly people sites and make half witted comments about you. Get a life, seriously.” You directed that comment to ALL the thin women and men here, NOT just the one’s making negative comments. Also, what did you mean by “ugly people websites?” As for your comment, “I rarely make comments at all on articles like this and you have just reminded me why.” Was my post really so offensive to you that you regret commenting OR will refrain from commenting in the future? I truly don’t understand WHY some people feel its okay to stick up for SOME people by insulting OTHERS. You don’t (or at least shouldn’t) bring yourself UP by putting others DOWN.
@Grace this will be my last response because this is ridiculous. You seem pretty upset. You cared enough about my first comment to respond to it. My comment about ‘ugly people websites’ was supposed to be a joke. I’m sorry if you didn’t find it humorous. Further more, I did not mean to direct my comment at anyone except for the haters again, apologies that you don’t agree. I’m not trying to put anyone down….period. And I’m really not about to spend my day off fighting with people online, because that’s pathetic. Clearly I should have someone edit my comments for me as to make sure I don’t piss anyone off. Good day.
@ Single Much- You’re right, it is pointless, ridiculous and a waste of time. Again, I was not that upset, I don’t have to be VERY upset to comment on something. As for having someone edit your comments, you are being ridiculous and dramatic.It seems that you are the only one that feels that this is such a big deal.
I don’t know what’s wrong with society but this is not plus size. For me Plus size is more than waist 38.
Look at this links you’ll see there’s not plus size here: http://www.brigittemodels.com/
The world is sick
You know, not all of us “plus size” girls can help the way we are. You tell me how I, a size 10/12 depending on the store, should reduce my size when you can see my ribs. Repeat, I am a size 10/12 and you can see my ribs. Sometimes we just can’t help the way we are.
And by the way, before you tell me to exercise, I was a collegiate athlete and continue to work out. So when you can run 10 miles faster than I can, maybe I’ll listen to you.
I am a 28 year old mother of 2 toddlers 1yr and 3yrs and am a plus size woman size 20. I have been so since childhood. I find it difficult to cope because there is a preconception of beauty, people always suggesting i loose weight or trim down a bit it’s irritating to be honest, I have come a long way trying to accept myself as beautiful the way i am. It would definitely go a long way if plus size models were just that ‘plus size’ so i can see how well the clothes fit on some one just like me and also it will help society to accept and recognize us as beautiful despite our size. Plus size women are people too they have emotions and want to be beautiful and well dressed in stylish clothes as well just as the petites. Thank you for speaking out for us.
Speaking as an ex runway model ca 1975-1990…and today a much happier and healthier size 14/BMI 27…if todays anorexic gals are eating right,exercising and not doing practices against their health to maintain their skinny size, well more power to them…their career as a “human clothes hanger”, which is exactly what all models are, is generally short-lived and hopefully profitable for them. But…I sincerely doubt most of them aren’t practicing something that is bad for them. If they let nature take it’s course, they will naturally add the pounds as time goes on…just prepare for another career in the meantime. I was fortunate to model during the days when fabrics were real, design was the best and classic, mostly before the advent of MTV which required models to be an extra 10 lbs thinner ( the camera adds another 10 lbs to the finished product). Designers have finally caught on to the plus size market out of financial necessity..and those who haven’t don’t care about ready to wear anyhow. So don’t be taken in by the marketing ladies…wear what makes you feel good and is right for your body!
I would like to express my viewpoint on our increasingly sizeist (I pretty sure I just made up that word. It refers to the discrimination and hatred people face because of their size.) I am what the stores refer to as a “Big and Tall” man. After reading the article about plus size models and how they are getting smaller and smaller. It doesn’t make sense to put clothes on people who were never intended to wear them. And ladies, it’s not just you that it affects. If you look at “Big and Tall” advertising you’ll notice none of those men is “big” . They may be tall but I guarantee there isn’t a man in those ads with a waist bigger than 32 inches. I myself have a 48 inch waist. Think those clothes look the same on me? No, and it seems that the clothes that DO fit me all make me look like I’m a middle aged golfer. (Golf shirts and pleated khakis are NOT fashionable.) I’m in my late thirties and would really love to wear graphic tees or designer jeans, not pants with an elastic waist!!!! With over 60% of the country considered “obese” when is the fashion industry gonna wake up and realize that there’s a lot more money to be made by catering to the majority of citizens. And by the way, being large does not automatically make you unhealthy. I am a very active person who just happens to naturally carry more weight. I don’t feel the need to starve myself and exercise to the point of injury just so I can shop at American Eagle Outfitters. One more thing….I once applied at Abercrombie & Fitch and was told I didn’t fit the build of the type of person they want to hire. Since when did a body type matter when working retail? The worst part is that society seems to be endorsing this hatred of large people. Sad. Very sad.
How about the other side of the issue? I am naturally thin. I have ALWAYS had a problem GAINING weight. I was 98 lbs until I turned 40 yrs old. Even after giving birth to 4 children. I don’t starve myself, I have a great appetite AND I love food! I am now 48 yrs old, I’m 5 ft 2 inches & I weigh 112 lbs. I am SOOOO sick of the insults aimed toward thin women; body like a stick, body like a child, skinny, the list goes on & on…. Or how about the phrase real women have curves, which implies that if a woman is thin she can’t possibly have curves? My (approximate) measurements : 34-23-40. I am not TOO thin, I am not a stick, I DO not have the body of a child. And frankly I am sick of the insults. What about MY self-confidence AND that of the countless other thin women and teens? Ironically the MAJORITY of the insults ALWAYS come from “larger” (in society’s eyes) women.
Ir’s funny but I have always had a problem buying clothes. Before reading all the comments here, I always assumed that plus-size women had it easy when it comes to buying clothes (because whenever I shop for clothes I only see sizes that are way too big for me). I can’t shop in the woman’s dept because the clothes are always far too big/wide AND the pants are usually too long. I went shopping a few weeks ago and I tried on almost every pair (meaning every brand) of yoga pants in the store, even the x-small were too big, except ONE pair & they were about 4 inches too long. I rarely find jeans that fit, the smaller sizes – 0 -1-3 are too small, I can’t even get them over my hips (so tight I’m afraid they will rip if I tried to pull them all the way up). A size five will go over my hips, BUT they’re about 6 inches too big in the waist, you can actually see right down my pants! SO, if I can’t find clothes and all of you can’t find clothes – WHO are the clothes manufacturers making clothes for?
In my opinion, I think all woman should be able to look at there self in the mirror, and be proud of what they look like. Not compare there self to under weight models most magazine think are they most beautiful people out there. I’d feed them all cheeseburgers. Point is anyways, be happy with how you look. Unfortunately I am 5’3 and 95lbs. I wanna be 115lbs. But having Crohn’s Disease just makes it not happen. If I were a plus size, I’d be happy.
Nothing is wrong with Plus size women, its the media that tells us that anorexia is sexy. I CHEER Kate Winslet, and Belinda Carlisle for being real women, AND two if the sexiest women on the planet…
Here’s our take on your article guys – http://strapline.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/plusmodelmag-gets-people-talking/
A great piece and welcome publicity too, well done!
I just posted an article in my blog called, “Am I Really Fat? (the nude photos)” When I was 25 and a size 4 I was told I had “cellulite” by my then-boyfriend. I wanted to have liposuction and I was 5′ 6 1/2″ and 125 lbs. Now I’m 46-years old and 140 lbs. and have been wanting a tummy tuck even though I am well within my healthy BMI. I’ve decided NOT TO LOSE WEIGHT! At my link are the nudes I took when I thought I was fat…
http://thewomanformerlyknownasbeautiful.com/2012/01/am-i-really-fat-my-nude-shots.html
I will keep this short:
I work as a photographer part time:
I refuse to shoot models who look “Anorexic”.
I believe women are naturally curvy and are quite beautiful in their natural form.
Don’t got me wrong, I have shot with some beautiful slim girls, but if you look like a toothpick then you have no room in my portfolio.
Regards, Nick
In my opinion people who sit and create arguements because someone is thinner than you, and because someone is fatter than you are extremely pointless ways to get your kicks.
If you have a problem PERSONALLY with your weight try and fix it and don’t take it out on people who are proud of their bodies/have the body you want! If you are overweight then obviously you are not healthy, the amount of health factors obesity/weight problems have on your life expectancy/ your childrens weight / statistics for depression. They are all related. Same goes for people who intentionally starve themselves or do not eat healthily and lead an active lifestyle.
@Single Much, how the hell would you know? of course models take care of themselves! they are models for gods sake! They don’t wake up in the morning and go, ah i have a photoshoot today; let’s go to McDonalds first.
And who the hell are you to tell people if they are a man or a thin woman if they are allowed to come onto this site? Does it say ‘only for people in a plus size.’ No? Thought not.
I’m 5’2″ 79lbs and I’m actually suffering from Anorexia Nervosa; so this statement bothered me.
“Most runway models meet the Body Mass Index physical criteria for Anorexia.”
What is that supposed to imply? The physical criteria for Anorexia as of right now is being under 85% of your ideal weight. In simple terms having a BMI lower than 17.5, but that’s do to change in the DSM, as BMI is not exactly 100% accurate. It does not even take muscle into account. This statement seem just there to sensationalize. “BMI ranges”, “healthy weights” are there for reference but they aren’t stone clad guidelines for everyone. People are unqiue in muscle, and bone mass. Many people can be perfectly healthy with a BMI of less than 17.5. So saying a bunch of models are at or under this magical number doesn’t mean crap.
Now if their bodies look emaciated, if they actually are Anorexic, that would be the real issue. A fault within the people hiring, using and then targeting the masses to look like these models. The models them selves aren’t at fault though, if they are suffering from Anorexia. It’s an eating disorder, a mental illness, one with the highest rate of death out of all mental illnesses. There is a serious problem when the media it’s self is saying we should look like that. I here a lot of people say “ew she looks anorexic.” “anorexic bitch”…if these girls are anorexic, it’s not really helping the cause. Why be so angry at the disordered models?
If they aren’t disordered than why be angry at all, they obviously are just naturally thin then. Either way its all about what the media is promoting. Personally I think it should be promoting health and diversity. If the models look healthy there shouldn’t be a problem. There is sickly thin and then there is morbidly obese. Ideally people can be healthy skimming underweight, normal weight and over weight. Obese, morbidly obese and servery underweight most likely aren’t very healthy, I should know. People buying the products are all different sizes and shapes though. Beauty is relative, health is absolute though. I may have an altered perception of myself, but I know what it is to be healthy and what that means. I’d want a healthy ideal to be promoted, for my family and friends, for children and teens to look up to.
How about this concept? One body type is not better than the other; Women are hot in general. Big, small, in between. Why do we feel like we need to tear down skinny women in order to make big women feel better? (And vice versa!) Lets tune out the media, and all this ridiculousness about which body image is better, and focus on tolerance of others and acceptance of ourselves?? Ladies, its time to stop acting like we are all crabs in a bucket, trying to claw our way to the top. The truth is that we are bombarded with images and ideas of what we are supposed to look like so that we are forever in a rat race to attain some impossible image of beauty, all so that we purchase more clothes, skin creams, diet pills, makeup, the list goes on and on and on. Who cares?
I do not agree with plus size models. They are not healthy and they promote the idea that being overweight is ok. It is not ok. That is what food companies want to you think so you can eat more fast food, and chips and snacks.
You do not get overweight by eating healthy, normal portions and exercising. If you do that it’s impossible to be anywhere over a size 10.
I am 5’0”, I exercise 3 times a week and eat 1700 calories a day. I am unable to find pants in US because the only ones that fit me are a size 0 and even those are too loose on the waist. And I am not anorexic, my legs are rather thick for my height and my butt an idea too large.
Why can’t we stop calling each other anorexic or fat and be happy calling each other women? I’m tired of women calling me a stick or telling me to “eat a sandwich” and I’m tired of hearing people tell other women to “put the fork down” or saying “You’d look so pretty if you just lost weight.” We really don’t need any of this. All it does is breed hate and ruin self esteem. As long as you exercise and eat a healthy diet, it shouldn’t matter what you weigh. We are all beautiful.
Oana, most of the plus size models I’ve seen are not what I would call “overweight”. They look healthy and more natural than “normal” models. Your comments about becoming overweight and impossibilities is startlingly inaccurate. There are such things as health concerns that affect weight-loss/gain even if someone is living a healthy lifestyle.
Personally, I wish I had a woman who looked and dressed like these models!;)
I’m 20 years old, a stay at home mom. I just has my first baby. I’m 5’2″ before i was pregnant i was 150lbs now, after my baby, i’m 5’2″ 170lbs. I used to fit a size 10 now i think i’m a size 15… I was always called “Fat” “Obese” “Fat Cow” since I was 14years old. I was always self concious, until I saw this and now I realize that size doesn’t matter. Now, looking at these Plus size models, I kinda wished I could be one.