Director Kiki Allgeier briefly profiles Isabelle Caro, the subject of photographer Olivieri Toscani’s “No-Anorexia” campaign. Caro’s 65-pound frame broadcasts the health crisis caused by her eating disorder, while her interview reveals the numb and dejected attitude of someone longing for escape.

Seen below is one of the billboards posted in Milan in 2007. Soon after the campaign launched, Caro appeared on CBS’ Early Show to discuss her eating disorder. Watch the CBS interview here.

Caro continues to be branded as the poster-child for destructive eating. In 2008, she appeared on the British reality show “Supersize vs. Superskinny,” discussing weight and food issues. [1] She then wrote a book entitled La Petite Fille Qui Ne Voulait Pas Grossir (The Little Girl Who Did Not Grow), “a story of isolation and hope, love and death.” [2]

While she continues to keep the weight off, Caro is steadily gaining Facebook fans. They all extend praise and support, even if they don’t struggle with eating disorders themselves.

[3]

This brand of activism, while inspirational for many, has effectively rewarded the eating disorder. Caro’s fame and financial success are based on self-destruction, which isn’t exactly a deterrent for people who often abuse food to get attention, consciously or unconsciously. And for those still riddled with disease, an image of a 65-pound woman may just trigger the desire to be thinner. This is evidenced by the Medusa blog, accompanying Caro’s photos with a warning that “This page may be Triggering!! Please, read with care!” [4]

Dr. Ira M. Sacker, author of Regaining Yourself and Dying to Be Thin, addresses how a person’s identity can be consumed by the eating disorder. “In a culture such as ours where image and identity seem to be interchangeable, the eating disorder identity may, unfortunately, even regard the disorder as an accomplishment,” he says. [5]

Caro’s name and image are now intertwined with her sickness. Even if she did recover, she would then be The Girl Who Recovered From Anorexia. It’s a label that doesn’t wash off easily. So, in the midst of her attempt to do some good in the world, she was unwittingly victimized again – this time, by the media fanfare.

We can only hope that things will soon quiet down, so Isabelle Caro can turn her attention from how bad the sickness is, to how good recovery can be.

Sources:

Hulu Documentaries: Cinelan 3 Minute Stores – FEMMEFille

CBS Early Show: “Anorexia’s Living Face” // CBSnews.com. October 16, 2007

[1] “Supersize vs. Superskinny” Season 1, Episode 8 // Channel 4

[2] “The Little Girl Who Did Not Grow” (English Translation) // Amazon.com

[3] Isabelle Caro: Facebook Fan Page

[4] “Anorexia: Isabelle Caro, Still Stick Thin…” // Medusa Blog. February 13, 2009

[5] “Regaining Yourself: Q&A With Dr. Ira M. Sacker” // Hyperion Books Online

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