a lot of anorexic will see this picture and expire to look like that

Zahara Pitt, that's what I'm afraid of too

nice play on words, Zahara. I think this could be constructive to those who are not too deep into their eating disorders yet to be unable to change. But anyone near this point already, there really is almost no hope for them. It's such a sad disease. Of course it's a disturbing image, if it's not, then you should probably book an appointment with a good psychiatrist.

"Fabiola De Clercq, head of the Italian Association for the Study of Anorexia, said that it was 'pointless and damaging' to show such a 'crude and exaggerated image.'"

Of all people, De Clercq should know the horrifying effects of anorexia (or does she lack the qualifications for her post?). This is an actual person suffering from the disorder, not someone photoshopped to look "exaggerated." It is honest, and even if it is a little nauseating, De Clercq shouldn't call it "pointless."

its a really strong image but really, to advertise a brand? isn't that just trivialising the problem?

is it weird.. that I actually lost my appetite from this photo...

So is the model in this photo getting any help? I think it is strange to use this for a clothing line, but hopefully it will help some people who are on the verge of eating disorders.

i don't understand how this picture is thought to be "exaggerated". how can a picture that sends a message be thought to be "pointless"?

It's aso a shame that some women suffering from the eating disorder deny that they will actually look like that when in reality they end up looking much worse. If psoriasis is the only skin disease that this model is suffering from, she is lucky, many anorexic women suffer from other complications that can end up costing their life in a short period of time.
Hopefully this will be a reality check for those with eating disorders.

whats on her bum?

It's disturbing, but I hope it sends the right message to aspiring models.

Oops, also.

That's psoriasis on her bum.

I am in awe of Isabelle Caro's courage. Speechless, really. Get that girl a Nobel Prize and a protein shake.

I think it's totally misplaced as a campaign for a clothes company. If it was only for eating disorder awarenes, then I could understand it.
Saw the 'model' in an interview on tv. She looked even more scary and sick than in this picture.

I'm not disturbed by it (and I don't think that merits a visit to the local shrink either.) I think it's a brilliant way for young girls to see the damaging effects of such a lifestyle.

this is awful. knowing someone with an eating disorder, this would not help it. people with eating disorders don't just "stop" one day because they see a skinny person. they wish to be the skinny person. this ad is irresponsible. if they really want to help people those with anorexia, they should band together and make it a rule to use only normal models.

I think that's a case by case basis haute77. By that I mean, I have friends that battle it and some that have overcome it and that type of image would not be attractive to them.

it gets the point across, but some ana girls are going to look at this as thinspo.

i don't get what her having psoriasis has to do with it though.

ELLEuminuate--I agree with you. The message is positive and sadly necessary, but adding the label just makes it distasteful. The fashion industry is already benefiting from anorexia in a way; there's no need to make it more obvious.

I definitely agree with that, I think this would be better placed as a public awareness ad, not as a means of self promotion.

I don't think the ad was a good idea...

Any public image that brings attention to a huge problem for women is a good idea.

I agree! I am not disturbed by the picture yet at the same time..unfortunately there will be girls that want to look like this..

It reminds me of the United Colours of Benetton ad which was also highly controversial. I don't think people should be afraid to see this kind of thing considering everything else that we see on television. It's just another way of adding shock value to an ad campaign

I think it's a bit much...

Yay, now more people will make fun of me for being anorexic when I am really just naturally thin. I fell like that is all these ads ever accomplish. Or, maybe I should try to become more fat, because skinny people are obviously to blame for society's ills.

anyone who is anorexic or aspires to be uber-unhealthy-skinny will only see this ad as inspiration. You can't SHOCK the anorexia out of a person!

Subhuman – this chick is a self-admitted anorexic. NOT naturally thin, so i don't think the ad is trying to use a "naturally thin" girl to represent anorexia. I don't think you need to worry that thin girls are going to be blamed for society's ills. I am thin and I don't think I have been blamed.

I agree with amanda-La. This should be a public service announcement to show the effects of an eating disorder....not to promote's a company name or brand. I think its disgusting and revolting.

"mommie", it would bring the wrong kind of attention to some people. Who is this ad really directed to? The general public? Or to girls who are anorexic? I know some girls that would see that ad and would use it for inspiration. I think the ad would do more harm than good.

this was in the evening papers today in the UK. I think it is a good message about time!

i commend italy for taking a stand and doing what they can to spread the word

I think this is brilliant. It may not help the persons who already suffer, but certainly shows that anorexia is not cool as some teenagers may think...

Iam speechless..i pray that girls like her will receive help, because it is a sad, sad diesese.

I don't know what to think of this. But I DO know that anyone who thinks that image will be a wake up call for other anorexics is deluded. That woman's body will not repulse them, it'll be their new goal instead.

Subhuman: People who call you anorexic are ignorant. Besides if you are naturally thin as you say you are then you probably don't have the skin issues and psoriasis.
I would rather think the add would raise more awareness in terms of people calling just about any skinny girl anorexic.
I'm not sure if I really think its a good idea, plus adding the name/label to the campaign is very repulsive.

I'm not exactly sure this image would send a great message to those with eating disorders.Many girls w/ Ed' don't think anything bad will ever happen to them. That's not really a question in they're mind because of their fixation with the disease. This advertisement wouldn't be as effective as it seems.

we have to show the world whats really under those pretty clothes sometimes!

I'm torn.

I think the shock value is good.
Anorexic (basically dying) models should not be hired.
(Unless they are in recovery)

Sadly girls/women that are in a distorted state of mind will find this inspiring...

What a horrible disease....

Although this ad has a strong image and certainly makes a point, I dont think it gets to the heart of the problem. I think it would be far more constructive to address WHY anorexia is so prevalent---ie societal pressure and standards for women. To simply say "Stop being anorexic" without addressing the underlying issues is problematic, i think.

I say, "unless they are in recovery" because you are never fully recoved from Anorexia. It's a healing process and something you deal with the rest of your life.

I hope I don't offend anyone.

My mouth dropped open when I saw this. I would have found this inspirational about a decade ago. That's the most disturbing thing about it.

I hope they paid for her treatment.

I think it's brilliant - so many young girls think anorexia = Nicole Ritchie. A more realistic picture of anorexia is a good thing.

Well I think this will reach the desired audience so many ppl look to models advertising Brand but who really looks at a an ad that starts with " camapaign against...."

This is the horrible reality. It makes me sick to see it, but people need to know the truth.

I saw this on tv. Terrible!

whats up with her butt? whats the strange path of skin there?

I do think that this make people want to look like her.. but it is very clear that this will scare some people away from anerexia...