This heart-wrenching narrative unveils the poignant journey of the world’s thinnest woman, Valeria Levitin, whose weight has dwindled to a mere four stone due to years of grappling with extreme dieting. Instead of evoking pity for herself, Valeria perceives her emaciated physique as a poignant wake-up call for individuals aspiring to achieve unnaturally slender figures.
Standing at 5 feet 8 inches, Valeria should ideally weigh between 9 and 12 stone, as per the recommended guidelines of the NHS. However, she currently tips the scales at a diminutive 4 stone 3 pounds, which is less than half of her lightest healthy weight.
What’s particularly troubling is Valeria’s revelation that she receives fan mail from young girls yearning to emulate her skeletal appearance. Despite the distressing nature of her circumstances, the 39-year-old from Russia, now residing in Monaco, has decided to speak out against anorexia and vehemently refuses to serve as a mentor to those seeking to replicate her perilous state.
Valeria’s battle with anorexia commenced during her teenage years, and she candidly admits that the illness has wrought havoc upon her life, rendering her “lonely, unattractive, and repulsive” to those around her. She attributes the genesis of her condition to her mother’s deep-seated fear of her becoming obese like other relatives, resulting in stringent dietary restrictions imposed upon her from a tender age.
Upon relocating to Chicago at 16, Valeria’s desire to assimilate into a new environment fueled her relentless pursuit of weight loss. Tragically, derogatory comments about her figure only served to intensify her resolve to shed pounds. Despite her drastic weight loss, her aspirations of becoming a model were marred by continual rejection, with industry professionals deeming her still too large to succeed.
Over the years, Valeria’s affliction has led her to consult with over 30 health specialists, yet she remains ensnared in the grip of anorexia, with her weight plummeting to a perilously low 3 stone 10 pounds at one juncture. Today, she finds herself unable to indulge in certain foods due to her body’s adverse reactions, with her palate no longer even recalling the taste of bread.
Valeria’s existence has been fraught with profound loneliness, having been single for a decade and unable to partake in typical couple activities such as dining out. Despite the multitude of challenges she faces, she harbors a fervent desire to reclaim her health and fulfill her longstanding dream of motherhood.
In her quest for recovery, Valeria believes that relocating to Moscow, where she feels more at peace, and pursuing motherhood via surrogacy could serve as potential catalysts for her rehabilitation. Her fervent desire to serve as a beacon of caution against the perils of extreme dieting underscores her unwavering determination to overcome anorexia and live a fulfilling life.
