The model diet?

The New York Times has a piece on VH1's show, "The Agency", which looks into life at the Wilhelmina Modeling Agency.  In one scene, an agent measures a models hips and discovers that the model has gone from 35" to 36 1/2".  “You’re like the Pillsbury doughboy,” the agent says. “You’ve gotten fatter and yes, I said the f-word.”

While some are suggesting that these scenes are contrived, with the bitchiness and conflict given a boost to create reality-tv drama, others say that "The Agency" is actually quite accurate in its portrayal of the modeling industry. From the article:

One former model also attested to a harsher reality. Amanda Kerlin, an author of the novel “Secrets of the Model Dorm,” has not watched the show, but said that while she worked in the industry, weekly measurements were not uncommon, especially during the time leading up to Fashion Week.

“After a while it messes with your psyche,” she said. “Some girls chose to starve themselves or took drugs to keep the weight off. A lot of girls develop bad eating habits. Some girls will have one Big Mac a day, smoke Marlboros and just drink a lot of coffee because it boosts your metabolism.”

Maybe, there's a book in that...."The Model Diet" -- smoke two packs a day, drink a gallon of coffee, and if your body needs a little protein, eat a Big Mag, and throw half of it up.