Pushing the contentious suggestion that some skinny models not only look like they have Anorexia, but help promote it, Plus Model Magazine has just published a super-provocative spread.

In its January issue, the curve advocates printed an editorial featuring naked plus-size model Katya Zharkova encircled with shocking facts and figures about models and their size:

“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 modelling 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.”

Shot by Victoria Janashvili, one of the editorial’s most hard-hitting images is the one pictured above, which sees Zharkova almost cradling a substantially skinnier model.

The editorial has had a huge impact among our models here at Models Direct, with mixed opinions. Some highlight the fact that being so accepting of larger figures may fuel an already out-of-control obesity epidemic and stress that Anorexia is a mental health disorder, not solely an issue of BMI. Others, however, completely agree with the messages put forward by the magazine and feel skinny models promote poor body image and may even lead to eating disorders.

No matter what your view, one thing’s for certain, Plus Model Magazine has given us food for thought.