Mental Health and the 21st Century?

I'm not sure if it is a disease, being that it is not transferable to others by touch or air born. But for what ever reason a lot of females specifically have this desire so strong to be as thin as possible with no regard for the fact they are hurting themselves and it breaks the hearts of the ones that love them. I should make myself a bit more clear, anorexia does not start out as a disease, but becomes one because of repeated abuse of ones self. Just like with alcohol, a little can go a long way, a lot will hurt you. But there is also a psychological need of want to find and get exception and love from others and some how they see that being thin is the way to do it. But they never find what they are looking for, for it's like the wind. Of course it would be nice if all the models would start looking normal. Just saw an ad with Brook Shields and her Calvin jeans. Shes so proud to still be able to wear the same size of jeans that she did when she was 15! What ever! This does not make her a good example to follow! She may be a naturally thin person. But the many young girls and women who find that a cool way to be are not naturally thin and have to go to extremes to get there! This sift as you call it has been going on for centuries. We all want to be loved, desired, beautiful ext, but one must love oneself and find the beauty with in ours self's to be able to receive it from others. I pray for those who have taken the path of thinness.