The Deadly Cost of Modeling’s Beauty Standards
The modeling world has long been criticized for pushing unhealthy ideals. Russian twins Masha and Dasha Ledeneva nearly lost their lives as teenagers after joining a modeling school that enforced a strict 50-kilogram weight limit.
What began as dieting turned into near-starvation—just 300 calories a day. Their weights dropped to 38 kilograms, leaving them fainting, weak, and close to death. Hospitalization was unavoidable, with doctors warning they might not survive. With treatment and their mother’s support, the sisters recovered and now use social media to raise awareness about anorexia.
Not everyone is so lucky. Uruguayan model Luisel Ramos died at 22 after collapsing from anorexia during Fashion Week. Six months later, her sister Elina suffered the same fate.
While body positivity has challenged these harmful norms, many still struggle. The Ledeneva twins’ survival proves recovery is possible—yet countless others pay the ultimate price for an “ideal” body.
