A size zero body (a UK size 4) is perceived by many as desirable and ideal (Grabe et al., 2008). Yet the ubiquitous portrayals of size zero models by the fashion industry and media organizations have a negative impact on how women and adolescent girls evaluate themselves (Dittmar and Howard, 2004). While some organizations, such as Unilever (Sweney, 2007) have banned their use in advertising campaigns, the majority of marketing and promotions organizations are cautious and slow in replacing size zero models with average sized ones. Yet average sized models could sell more clothes than their size zero counterparts (Bian and Wang, 2015).

Questions

1. What do you think about the widespread use of size zero models by the fashion industry?

2. Should they be banned?

3. Would this impact on how adult women and adolescent girls see themselves?