Where did size zero ever get anyone? Not very far by the looks of things! Except the entrance to heaven’s door. Yes you’re right; here we go again, prodding the sore subject of ‘size zero’.

It must be stated that the girls we see modelling in advertisements in the windows of the high street shops in central town, such as Top Shop and Miss Selfridge, do look rather amazing. But, do we really think about the effect this is having on local girls? Or are we too worried about trying to keep up-to-date with the likes of the catwalk?

It has been proven, by The Mail online, that 90 percent of the women questioned in a survey said the US size zero (Equivalent to a UK size 4) was unattractive. Despite this, it is still believed that the fashion industry is omnipotent in moulding the thoughts of young women and their emotions regarding ‘Le look’.

However, two of the most well-known fashion gurus recently hit Swindon town centre. Trinnie and Susannah took part in trying to encourage Swindon to cater to the bigger woman in our town. Many said Swindon simply does not supply for the larger ladies and the hype is revolved around the teeny eight to tens. “I was expecting a slating” said one woman. “But, they were really constructive I almost feel like a new woman!” And that makes us wonder why there are cases of bulimia and anorexia in our own home town? These disorders are fearfully growing problems not only nationally, but in Swindon and the surrounding areas of Wiltshire.

The situation with eating disorders and the determination to look like catwalk models got so bad that in August of last year, a special unit was set up near Savernake to concentrate on girls suffering from eating disorders. It was an effort that was much appreciated from a family whose daughter sadly died of the illness in March 2008.

Billie Piper, a former Swindon girl, commented that stick-thin stars are bad role models, and she went on to criticise them for almost promoting the size-zero image. “You can be just as stunningly gorgeous and successful without being size minute” she quoted.

If girls are so concerned about their weight or image all they need to do is eat healthily and excercise. Yes I know, I know, that eight-lettered swear word, the thing we don’t want to be doing after a long day at work or college. But you’ll find there are, in fact, a lot of benefits of going to the gym and exercising rather than just fashion. And Swindon can proudly say there are enough places for young people to go to exercise, cheap places also, such as The Oasis.

Generally, I feel we have a lot of shops in the town centre that are stereotypically following the catwalk and providing more clothes and promoting more images of clothes that will in fact, look better on smaller figures.

Finally, it is clear to us that size zero can be damaging, not only to ones health but to your self esteem. However, it is re assuring to know that The Health Centre of Swindon is supporting the fight against eating disorders. The director of the public health, Jane Leaman said that “Supporting people is a working partnership of the local government”.

Significantly, you must remember that parental and friend support needs to be provided if someone is doubting the way they look and trying to compare themselves with that of A-list celebrities and models. Eating disorders are serious matters that if not addressed, can have many distressing ultimatums.

Kyla Adams, 17, Cirencester College