How skinny is too skinny? It’s a question that editors of fashion and celebrity magazines seem to address every few months. Perhaps, it’s fueled by what is photographed on runways or a movie premieres. Regardless of what the motive is, it is not unusual to see reports suggesting that yet another of Hollywood’s elite is suffering from an eating disorder. The media’s latest target: actress, Kiera Knightly.
The 21-year-old was forced to defend her appearance at last week’s London premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.” Knightly denied that she is trying to follow the Hollywood trend of becoming waif-like, saying, “Whatever people say about my weight they are all wrong. Hollywood is all about the way you look, and I don’t think that’s the healthy thing for anyone. But, if you’re strong and comfortable with yourself, then you’re going to be fine.”
Despite her comments, a day later, she was confronted about her appearance yet again, this time by members of the media who accused her of suffering from anorexia. Knightly said the suggestion that she has an eating disorder was shocking. “I’m not saying there aren’t people in the film industry that suffer from it, because I am sure that there are. But I’m quite sure I don’t have it.” Though, Knightly did reveal that it is a condition that runs in her family. “My grandmother and great-grandmother suffered from it, and I had a lot of friends at school who suffered from it,” Knightley said. “I know it’s not something to be taken lightly and I don’t.”
The rumors of her alleged eating disorder began circulating at the premiere of the new “Pirates” movie (in which she stars) when she showed off what some call a “rail thin gaunt look” in a revealing low-cut, backless Gucci dress. But, Knightly is just the latest actress to be scrutinized for looking “dangerously thin.” Last year, there was wide spread speculation that teen sensation Lindsay Lohan suffered from the eating disorder bulimia. Actress Lara Flynn Boyle has been an ongoing target of the media because of her bony figure. And of course, who can forget the media’s chronicling of former “Full House” star Mary-Kate Olson, who was diagnosed and later treated for anorexia.
So how thin is too thin? What do you think?
***If you suspect that someone you love may be suffering from an eating disorder consider visiting the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders’ website which provides important information on a variety of eating disorders. ***