Results of a strategic science study to inform policies targeting extreme thinness standards in the fashion industry

Abstract

The appearance pressures experienced by fashion models have been criticized as harmful to their health, as well as increasing eating disorder risk among youth by promoting ideals of extreme thinness. Given recent legislation to protect models, we undertook a strategic science study to assess professional fashion models' perceptions of the potential impact and feasibility of seven policy proposals. A sample of 85 female fashion models, mean age = 22.7 years (SD 3.7) completed an online survey assessing unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCB), perceived pressure from agencies to lose weight, as well as the perceived impact and feasibility of seven potential policy actions. Chi-squared analyses and multivariable logistic regressions compared UWCB among models who were asked to lose weight and those who were not. Friedman and Kendall's W tests were conducted to examine differences in impact and feasibility ratings across the seven policy proposals. Models reported high levels of pressure to lose weight, which was associated with higher odds of engaging in UWCB. The policy approaches rated as most impactful were those to increase worker protections, though they were rated as only moderately feasible. Requiring employers to provide food and a 30-min break for jobs longer than 6 h was rated as both impactful and feasible. Imposing restrictions on minimum BMI was rated as the least impactful. Approaches providing employment protections and healthier working conditions are most supported by professional models. These findings help to illuminate viable policy approaches from the perspective of key stakeholders.

Research for leveraging food policy in universal eating disorder prevention

“…In recent years, policy and legislation have emerged as important levers for universal prevention efforts (Austin, 2016;Rodgers, Ziff, Lowy, Yu, & Austin, 2017). Moreover, for-profit industries that benefit from individuals experiencing body image and eating concerns (e.g., the diet, fashion, and beauty industries) have been implicated as important targets for macro-level intervention (Austin, 2016;Haines & Neumark-Sztainer, 2006).…”

Maximizing the public health impact of eating disorder services: A simulation study

“…Another strategy to facilitate help‐seeking and treatment utilization are population‐based health programs that aim at promoting awareness, reducing stigma, increasing mental health literacy (Mond, ). Furthermore, targeting larger societal conditions rather than focusing on individuals might be a promising approach to increase the public health impact (Austin, ; Rodgers, Ziff, Lowy, Yu, & Austin, ).…”

Innovation in eating disorders research and practice: Expanding our community and perspectives at the 2018 International Conference on Eating Disorders: Editorial to accompany IJED Virtual Issue in honor of the 2018 International Conference on Eating Disorders.

“…They suggest that engaging policy makers in crafting research questions and design is key to moving evidence‐based policy forward. Rodgers, Ziff, Lowy, Yu, and Austin () provide an example of strategic science in action with their study targeting the fashion industry to reduce harmful and extreme standards of thinness among models. Whiteford and Weissman () also address the role of economic factors in influencing government policy stakeholders and review relevant eating disorders research in this area, including assessments of the economic cost of eating disorders and subsequent interventions, as well as the cost of not providing adequate and accessible treatment.…”