Brazilian Model Ana Carolina Reston Dies of Anorexia

Ana Carolina Reston, a 21-year-old anorexic model who weighed only 88 pounds has died of generalized infection caused by anorexia nervosa, a disorder characterized by an abnormal fear of becoming obese, an aversion to food and severe weight loss. Reston began her modeling career at the age of 13 after winning a local beauty contest in her hometown of Jundiai, on the outskirts of Sao Paulo. Reston also battled bulimia, an eating disorder marked by binge eating that is followed by vomiting or the use of laxatives. The world of high fashion and modeling has long been targeted by critics who say it encourages women and girls to emulate rail-thin models. (Photo by CityFiles/WireImage) *** Local Caption ***