Want to Model? MTV Show Says Weight Loss is Key
Casting Call for Reality Show 'Model Maker' Says Girls Will Lose as Much as 80 Pounds
Casting Call Encourages Wannabe Models to Diet, Watch Their Weight
For the young girls already hooked to all things MTV thanks to the skyrocketing popularity of the network's other reality shows like "The Hills," a show such as "Model Makers" may not only be a source of entertainment but also a vehicle promoting unhealthy dieting habits.
"You can get very caught up in these shows -- especially young girls who are still building their self-esteem," said Leslie Goldman, the author of "Locker Room Diaries: The Naked Truth About Women, Body Image."
"These girls want to be pretty and on television, and this show gives them the opportunity," said Goldman. "But there is a clause: They have to drop a lot of weight."
Goldman, who said that she respects a lot of MTV's programming that focuses on teen issues -- such as "True Life," which follows teens as they cope with issues like peer pressure and divorce -- added that she worries "Model Maker's" time frame for weight loss is too aggressive.
"In our culture, it is a numbers game: How much do you weigh, how big is your chest and how slim can you get your hips?" said Goldman. "If a woman has a dream of being a model, it's feasible that she could lose weight and do it -- but not necessarily in three months."
Having struggled with weight issues as a teen, Goldman said that she's also concerned that young girls trying out for the show may be hurt by casting directors telling them that they'll be pretty -- but only if they get rid of some excess fat.
"It's very difficult and crushing to have someone look at you and say you're very pretty but you'd be beautiful if you were 30 pounds lighter," said Goldman.
"When you're talking about losing that much weight, it sounds like health is the last thing on their minds and cosmetics is the first," said Ayoob. "And when you're talking about weight loss, health should be the first priority."
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