I have just read a particularly interesting piece of research showing that the average waist measurement of a women has increased from approx twenty seven inches to thirty four inches over two decades. Also bust sizes has increased.It was not in the report but I believe height has increased considerably.

Given this reality it is of considerable concern to realise that so many women,paricularly young women,suffer from anorexia.This is an extremely worrying factor which needs consideration. The causes are biological and psychological with the latter being influenced by sociological/cultural factors.

Early puberty as a result of biological evolution , with the consequential loss of childhood ,coupled with prolonged adolescence due to technological changes in society demanding a longer period of education, can explain much of the problem. However, the fashion industry and those who exploit young people has a great influence on image.

It may or may not be true that homosexual designers tend to see young women as boys and thus dress women with this in mind.It is also the general feeling that clothes hang best on scare crows.The problem will increase given the natural tendancy for women to become larger. A healthier view of womanhood should be included in education.