Eating Disorders for Models...How About TV News Anchors and Reporters?

[Fake Post]

I really get a kick out of tv news reporters doing stories on underweight models and film actresses, yet we look the other way with female (and some male) tv news anchors and reporters.

If any group of people can qualify for eating disorder status, just channel surf around and see some on camera anchor types with the sunken cheeks and the plastic surgery who live on a steady diet of amphetamines and cigarettes.

Am I wrong that tv news has not investigated itself when it comes to these people?

[The Thrill]

Don't worry...HD studio cameras will kick-start the natural selection process. :D

[Zero]

Originally posted by Fake Post:
I really get a kick out of tv news reporters doing stories on underweight models and film actresses, yet we look the other way with female (and some male) tv news anchors and reporters.

If any group of people can qualify for eating disorder status, just channel surf around and see some on camera anchor types with the sunken cheeks and the plastic surgery who live on a steady diet of amphetamines and cigarettes.

Am I wrong that tv news has not investigated itself when it comes to these people?I've worked with some damn near anorexic female anchors. Never seen the story though.

I think it's up to newspaper to ask that question.

We're not the news, remember?

[LittleBabyPuppy]

I'm glad you mentioned this, and I think it's really sad. It's weird when the skinny reporters ask *ME* how I eat what I like and still have "a nice body," yet I've got way more thickness than they, and obviously weigh more. Weird.

But on the other hand, I think it's interesting to watch a skinny blonde eat a lettuce-only salad between shows. I ask them out loud if they want a sandwich or something, and they kindly decline.

[Pregnant Reporter]

I've had an eating disorder since I was 14. I was hospitalized twice in high school. I know every symptom, every physical sign and every behavior. This business is overrun with people with eating disorders.

This business is also overrun with people in denial and I am sure many, including my husband, would include me in that.

An eating disorder is something a person fights every single day of their life. You can settle in to a functional or even healthy weight, and still not address your problem.

Eh, I could go on and on but the reality is, yes, there are plenty of people with ED in tv news. NO, they cannot blame TV news. It usually starts in adolescence. Yes, you could BLAME tv if you are an excuse maker, but there are plenty of fatties on the air, even in the top markets.

Good issue to raise, but this is not a black and white problem. You can live in several shades of grey with this one.

I'll just add... there is a lot of pressure for talent to look a certain way. but NOBODY will EVER criticize you for being too thin. The viewers might, but managment never will.

[ January 26, 2007, 09:07 PM: Message edited by: Pregnant Reporter ]

[Roy Hobbs]

Preggers, check your PMs, please.

And have some lasagna.

[imported_Mr. Vengeance]

The fact I don't have enough time at work to eat anything more nutritious than a Big Mac is a disorder in itself.

[Lazlo Toth]

I think my eating disorder is called gluttony.

[ZuZu's Petals]

I don't know where you all work... but where I have worked (in the Midwest) all the on air women were quite healthy, and fit.
There were a few chunkies (mostly the men - how do ya like that double standard?) But the women who were thin, were still healthy. They worked out, built muscle - looked great.

I've always been naturally thin, and since I've been out of news I weigh a bit more (because I'm not running around so much on the job - nor carrying all that gear) but still thin.

Recently a guy friend who never knew me in my news days saw my clip reel... and said, "Man, if the camera adds ten pounds - I hope there were people standing off camera handing you sandwiches!" (Meaning I was so much thinner on camera)

Some people remarked that I was too thin - but the truth is - I was lean and mean. It was all muscle, no fat and I have a tiny frame to begin with.
Lugging 70 pounds of gear around with a 119 pound body will do that!

My point is, many women who are thin are NOT starving themselves. The only time I was ever hungry was aroun 4:30 when deadline was approaching and I realized I forgot to eat all day because I was busy working. (and I could put away more food than most of the men!)

[The Mockingbird]

Silly Fake Post, TV Journalists can't afford food.

[LMS]

I'm not sure if it counts as an eating disorder if the reason you're so underweight is due to fear.

The women I've known who genuinely suffer from anorexia look in the mirror and see someone who is overweight, regardless of what is actually reflected back at them.

The women in news who look anorexic, in my opinion. look that way because they are simply scared to death that if they look any other way, they'll lose their on air position or be demoted to a less prominent slot. These women look in the mirror and see an underweight woman. There are no illusions. But they maintain this body style out of fear to look otherwise.

You might as well ask why there are so many women who color their hair or have botox. It's not psychological. It's the culture of television news.

[ZuZu's Petals]

Excellent differentiation LMS!

I've long been irriatated by people who assign an 'anorexic' label on any thin/skinny woman.

In fact, all through Junior high, High School, College and beyond, people would tell me I was anorexic. (Sorry, I eat all the time and I couldn't barf if I were choking!" - besides, that's bulimia)

My best friend even said things like, "You're so lucky. You look anorexic." She said it was a compliment! Finally, I said, "That's like me telling someone ...'You look like an alcoholic.' It's not a compliment to tell someone they look like they have a disease!"