Model Scouts Trying To Hire Girls Receiving Treatment For Anorexia Nervosa

Model scouts are now trying to recruit girls who are being treated at Stockholm Center for anorexia nervosa, according to media reports.

"We think it is absolutely reprehensible. It has been standing outside the clinic and picked up our girls to know that they are very narrow. It sends all the wrong signals, when the girls being treated for eating disorders," said Anna-Maria af Sandberg, director and chief physician at the clinic, reports Metro.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder where people lose a lot of weight that is unhealthy for the body, says Medline Plus. People with this condition have a fear of putting on weight, even when they are underweight. These people diet, exercise and use other means to stay thin. There is no known cause for this disorder. Experts believe genes and hormones play a vital role in the onset of this disorder. Social attitudes promoting very thin bodies are known to push people into this condition.

Margaretha Sandved, head of the clinic, said that some agents approached girls who had a BMI of as low as 14. A normal and healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2.

"There are several parents who have responded to it. It is awful. Part of the disease is that you have a distorted body image, and you get a sudden flattery and a job offer. It does not facilitate the treatment of the disease, said Christina Lillman-Ring Borg, care coordinator at the clinic.