A discussion about Ioana Spangenberg
This morning I came across, quite frankly, a baffling article. It’s eating disorder related, so if you’re in recovery and try to avoid triggers, I just want to give you a heads-up.
Meet Ioana Spangenberg.
(Photo courtesy of The Sun.)
Ioana is being glorified in the media recently for her perfect hourglass figure. Her measurements are 32-20-32, and she apparently weighs 84 pounds (if my calculations of 6 stone to pounds is accurate). She is 5’6″ and an adult woman. Does this seem odd to anyone else?
The 30-year-old says in the article, ”No one seems to believe it, but every day I eat three big meals and I snack on chocolate and crisps all the time. I just have a small stomach. It’s a bit like having a natural gastric band — if I eat too much, I feel sick.”
This statement resembles something that I would have said in my ed past. And it was kind of true. After I became very sick and starved myself to a very unhealthy weight, my stomach did shrink. Initially, it was really hard to gain weight because I would get full so quickly. And I also don’t think I had an accurate perception of what a big meal was. I mean, a salad and an apple seemed huge.
Is it possible to be so skinny naturally or, as I suspect, could she actually have a severe eating disorder?
I have noticed that after all of my experiences with an ed and recovery I am particularly sensitive to those that might be struggling with disordered eating. I notice the symptoms and signs because I’ve practiced and lived through those behaviors. Is it the same for you? And if you haven’t had an ed, are you perceptive of eating disorder symptoms?
Also, do you think the images promote an unhealthy standard for women? I think this topic is so complex because if, in fact, Ioana is naturally that thin she should celebrate her body, even given its extreme thinness, and not feel like a sideshow. Yet, if she actually is sick but denies it, these pictures send the message that a woman can be this thin without repercussion to her health.
So what do you think? Does the article bring any other thoughts to mind?
Xo.
Honestly, when I saw that photograph yesterday, my heart skipped a beat, and not in a good way. I am always skeptical of immediately casting doubt on someone who is naturally very thin even with a disordered past. I definitely had an ED for years, but at my lowest, I wasn’t much lower than I am now, but I looked unhealthy and malnourished. Now, I am still taller and thinner than most people I meet and that is with a very good appetite and no restrictions. Still, like you, I’m inclined to doubt this is completely natural for this model. And while you’re right, if it is natural, she should be celebrated, this photo could very easily be used in a PSA regarding rampant eating disorders in the modeling industry. It is fascinating to speculate, but I hope young women don’t feel pressured to emulate this look. It is completely unatainable and unhealthy.
Wow this is my first time coming across this picture and article. I have to agree with you on this one. As someone who has struggled with an ED in the past I too am aware of signs and symptoms. Her explanation for her thinness is EXACTLY what I used to say while I was engaging in ED related behaviors. Like you my stomach shrunk (why would it not at 89 pounds!!??) and I would get full so easily. Therefore I thought I was eating “until I was full.” I also had a skewed perception of what a well balanced meal should look like.
I do think the social media plays a role in the development of ED’s. I suspect that this woman does have an eating disorder but of course I will never know for sure unless she came out and said so herself. So while I hate to judge her … the picture just causes so much concern to me… especially for other wandering eyes who are considering or currently already dabbling in ED’s.