In Memoriam: Isabelle Caro, Nolita Model Who Took Stand Against Anorexia

Isabelle Caro, who went public with her anorexia nervosa struggle, has passed away at age 28.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on December 30 2010

If you saw the 2007 fashion week Nolita public-awareness ad campaign featuring Isabelle Caro, you’d never forget it. The model is naked, bones jutting through her skin. She weighs just 55 pounds.

You feel pity and revulsion. “No anorexia,” the billboard says.

Isabelle Caro, a model from France, struggled with anorexia nervosa through most of her life, and finally passed away from complications of the disorder last month at age 28. In recent years, she had gone public with her disorder—literally baring herself to show how the disease had ravaged the once-beautiful woman.

Although it was difficult for Caro to reveal her body to the world, she wanted to help prevent other young women from falling into the dangerous spiral of weight loss that she had succumbed to. She had struggled to recover from the disorder and grow to love her body at a normal weight, but she was unable to escape from the disease’s grip.

Nonetheless, the sad, startling photos of Caro will serve as a lasting legacy for the tragic young woman, showing the world the ugliness of anorexia nervosa. (See the photos here—but be warned: they’re not for the feint of heart.)

Are you or someone you know suffering from anorexia or another eating disorder? Visit Eating Disorder Hope for help recovering.

Filed under: Health and Wellbeing, Heroes,

Liked this? You'll love these, too:

Five Ways to De-Stress Your Daily Drive to Work

Your daily commute can take a serious toll on your physical health. Try these tips for calming down and avoiding road rage. Read More
8 Surprising Strategies for Becoming a Centenarian

If you want to live to 100 and beyond, try these expert-recommended tips for longevity. Read More
Anti-CD47 Drug Proven to Shrink All Tumors in Mice with Cancer

Researchers have successfully stopped the spread of cancer, and even shrunk existing tumors, in animal trials for a promising new drug. Read More
Ten Tips for Rebooting Your Life by Taking a Break

Feeling stressed out by work? Try these tips for taking a sabbatical from your busy job. Read More
6 Good Reasons to Buy Locally

Check out these benefits for buying your fruit and vegetables from a local farmer or market. Read More