Anorexia and Sao Paulo Fashion Week

In response to a rash of deaths from anorexia in Brazil -- 6 since Ana Carolina Reston died in November -- the Brazilian fashion industry is waking up to the fact that they might have a role in fostering very unhealthy practices. 

Of the young women who died, several had links to the fashion/beauty industry.  In addition to Ana Carolina Reston, who first collapsed at a fashion show in Japan, the anorexia victims included a fashion student and a manicurist.  The most recent victim was a teenager who aspired to become a model.  All six of the deaths were in Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo, Brazil's wealthiest cities and the centers of Brazil's fashion industry.

The cultural response in Brazil has been significant.  Eating disorders are now prominent storylines in the local soap operas and magazines describe the pathology of anorexia.  Moreover, the Sao Paulo Fashion Week has announced that it will require models to be at least 16 years old and to supply a health certificate.  So, here's the question.....If the Brazilians can do it, why can't the Americans?