Model gives honest insight into the fashion industry with shocking before and after post

No matter how many plus size models appear on the cover of Vogue, it seems that the fashion industry’s obsession with thin still reigns strong.

However, a number of models are beginning to speak out about what it’s really like to remain a certain size.

The latest face to do so is Liza Golden-Bhojwani. The American model, who is currently signed to IMG, shared a before and after post on Instagram, showing her journey to reaching a healthy weight.

In the first image, Liza can be seen at her modelling prime back in 2013 when she walked for major designers including Chanel, Vivienne Westwood and Loewe.

Liza detailed her struggles in a long caption. (The full post can be read here.) “The left side was my first proper fashion week where I was actually the size I needed to be,” she wrote. “I was booking amazing shows, walking with girls who I once looked up to.”

“But after fainting in my apartment whilst preparing one of my very low cal meals, I called it quits with the diet and workout regime I was put on.”

After practically starving herself on 500 calories a day, Liza went on a “full blown binge” just before fashion week. She started noticing the weight piling on but still managed to book shows in New York and London.

However, the model “received online criticism about [her] thighs looking fat” after walking for Dolce & Gabbana in Milan. When she got to Paris – the city known for promoting a thin culture – she only managed to book one show.

A few weeks later, fashion week came around again. Liza’s hip measurements had increased by two inches, meaning she was too ‘big’ to be sent to castings and therefore booked nothing.

She made a brave decision to leave the high fashion world: “I just simply could not hack it. I don’t know why of all people, I was just unable to keep up with the diets and the regimes. I thought I was weak-minded, I didn’t care enough, or maybe I just didn’t want it enough.”

Liza also embarked on a new diet, replacing croissants with much healthier alternatives (and upping her 500 calories to 800-1200). It took time but she soon became happy in her own skin.

“The picture on the right is me as of right now, my body as it is,” she finishes. “Not perfect, not show ready or [Victoria’s Secret] ready, not the best, but it is mine and my soul is happy.”

A perfect ending to what could have been a tragic tale.

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