Plus-Size Model: Anorexia Felt Like 'the Flu Times 10'

Crystal Renn recalls battle back to good health
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 26, 2009 5:56 PM CDT
Plus-Size Model: Anorexia Felt Like 'the Flu Times 10'
This book cover released by Simon & Schuster shows the cover of "Hungry" A Young Model's Story of Appetite,Ambition and the Ultimate Embrace of Curves", by Crystal Renn.   (AP Photo/Simon & Schuster)

In her teens, Crystal Renn punished herself relentlessly in pursuit of her dream of becoming a model. After years of self-inflicted hell, the 5-foot-9, 165-pound Renn has found success by being herself—she is now the world's highest-paid plus-size model. Time chats with her:

  • On her introduction to modeling: "One day a scout came up to me and said 'Oh my gosh, you're going to be the next supermodel.' I didn't even know what that meant. He pulled out a picture of Gisele and said, 'This is who you can be.' But he said I had to lose nine inches off my hips."

  • On life as a size 0: "I would go to 10 castings followed by a trip to the gym for three to four hours and sometimes even up to eight hours. I would eat lettuce and vegetables all day long, but I would think about food all of the time. I would wake up sometimes feeling like I had the flu times 10.
  • On losing her eating disorder: "I remember making the decision to eat again. It was pretty amazing. My first meal was what many would regard as very healthy: a salad with salmon, walnuts and olive oil. At the time, I feared that I would gain 100 pounds with one bite."
To see the complete Q-and-A, click the link below.
(More Jay-ZTV stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X