we forget about the pressure society puts on men and boys to look a certain way.

Sunday, 23 July 2017

On Monday July 24 at 8.30 PM, BBC One’s Panorama will be looking into the subject of eating disorders and mental health among men. According to the BBC, an estimated 400,000 men and boys are affected by eating disorders including international rugby referee Nigel Owens.

In the show, Nigel Owens meets men, boys and their families across the UK to hear their accounts of the impacts of anorexia and bulimia as he sets out to discover why more people are being diagnosed.

Speaking in advance of the episode titled ‘Men, Boys and Eating Disorders' Marciel Hopkins, who campaigns for body positivism said, "I'm very glad that Panorama is highlighting the point that boys and young men are just as vulnerable to the psychological impact of social media as girls and young women.

“We are mainly focusing on women and young girls when it comes to eating disorders, but we forget about the pressure society puts on men and boys to look a certain way. Women are expected to be small and petite, but men should be big, strong and muscular to be seen as a "real man". It's such a distorted picture that we are being fed by social media, because there is no wrong way to be a man or to have a certain body type.

“Some men may not restrict themselves from eating, but they might be obsessed about training and growing bigger all the time, which is a disorder in itself. We might not see many anorexic men walking around, but the truth is, so many eating disorders can't be seen with the bare eye and are simply glossed over.

“I think there is a big need for men to have platforms where they can voice their feelings and opinions about the pressure society puts on them to look a certain way. I think it's so important for women to hear this as well, as it will help us to have more compassion for one another.”

As well as a body-positive activist Marciel Hopkins is also a life coach, motivational speaker and plus-size model for London-based MOT Models ‘Curves’ division. Marciel also has an Instagram following of 51,300 fans. She uses the platform to campaign for positive body image, especially in young women.

Marciel Hopkins, who is currently spending time on various modelling assignments in Germany and the UK, is also in the process of developing a course for school children to teach body acceptance, holistic health and mental wellness. The course will be launched in South Africa and will be the first programme of its kind led by a professional model. If the course is successful it will be rolled out internationally, starting in London.

Founder of MOT Models Mike Illes said, “Marciel stands out as an individual for her positive attitude and star personality. She understands the importance of being healthy in your own way and the issues faced by people lacking body confidence. She is a fantastic role model for young men and women.”

During July and August, Marciel Hopkins will be modelling for various campaigns across Europe. She will then be heading back to South Africa to focus on her new project.

Links:
Marciel Hopkins MOT Models: https://www.motmodel.com/Detail.aspx?model_id=7914&curpage=0...
Marciel Hopkins Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarcielHopkins1
Marciel Hopkins Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcielhopkins/
MOT Models: https://www.motmodel.com


ENDS

Marciel Hopkins is available for interview and will be in Europe until August 20 2017. Mike Illes is also available for interview. If you would like to speak to Marciel Hopkins or Mike Illes please contact Adam Betteridge at Famous Publicity on 0333 344 2341 or email adam@famouspublicity.com or Mary-Jane Rose at Famous Publicity on 0333 344 2341 or email mary-jane@famouspublicity.com Tina Fotherby on 0333 344 2341 or email tina@famouspublicity.com.

Please credit photography to MOT Models. Additional high-resolution images available on request.


About MOT Models:

MOT Models is a leading London model agency, providing excellent models to top photographers, advertisers, designers and production companies. MOT models appear in many worldwide advertising and commercial campaigns.

The brand was established in 1985 and rapidly became a byword in the industry for expertise, friendliness, fairness and efficiency with the great majority of their work being obtained through referral. Their reputation has been hard-won and is one that they are always striving to improve.

MOT is a broad-based agency with models of all ages, ethnicities and types. One thing they all share in common is the quality of their work and their commitment to making sure that the assignment is successful whether it be for a big world-wide campaign or a brochure for a small new company. Whilst many agencies are now trying to imitate the MOT approach, arguably none can match the combination of model and service offered by MOT.

MOT has an enviable reputation for developing new talent. Many of their leading models have been with the brand through their education and into full-time careers as models. The agency provides a nurturing, considerate and thoughtful management that leads to a good and lengthy career.

The MOT team is located in two characterful offices, one just outside of London and about 30 minutes north of Heathrow airport and the second is right in the centre of the city in Mayfair.

Their Head Office in Berkhamsted handles bookings and marketing for MOT and all of the administrative support for both MOT and sister agency, Zone Models.