Brazilian Model Dies from Anorexia

On November 14th, a 21 year old Brazilian model died. Ana Carolina Reston only weighed 88 pounds at the time she passed away due to complications of anorexia. "Her death follows growing criticism of the use of underweight models in the fashion world, an issue given new significance after the death in August of Uruguayan model Luisel Ramos of heart failure during a fashion show in Montevideo" (MSNBC )

"Reston weighed only 88 pounds and was about 5 feet 8 inches tall tall. Doctors consider this weight normal for a 12-year-old girl no more than about 5 feet tall." (MSNBC) “Take care of your children ... no money is worth the life of your child, not even the most famous (fashion) brand is worth this,” her mother, Miriam Reston, told O Globo newspaper.

"In September, Spain caused a storm in the fashion world when Madrid barred models below a certain weight from its top fashion show. Models with a body-mass-index (BMI), which takes into account height and weight, of less than 18 were banned. Reston’s BMI was just 13.5 while the World Health Organization considers anyone with a BMI below 18.5 underweight. A BMI below 17.5 being one of the criteria for the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and a BMI nearing 15 is usually used as an indicator for starvation." (MSNBC).

The death of Reston is yet another reminder about the danger of eating disorders and their severity. There are many help centers around the world for people with eating disorders. Get help before it is too late. Caringonline is an informational website that offers information about eating disorders as well as clinics around the country. (Caringonline )