Want to Model? MTV Show Says Weight Loss is Key

Aug. 21, 2008 — -- For young women pining for a chance to strut down a runway, a new reality show on MTV may give them the chance to do just that -- but only if the wannabe models are willing to shed at least 30 pounds in exchange for a shot at fame.

But just how much the show's contestants may have to lose in order to increase their chances of becoming a model has already angered many body image experts and even obesity experts -- all of whom worry that this show may be the latest detrimental message sent to an already weight-obsessed generation of young girls.

"Anything more than 25 pounds in 12 weeks is really overstepping the boundaries," said obesity expert Keith Ayoob of the show's promise to help the aspiring models lose as much as 80 pounds in three months.

The casting call for the "Model Maker," which began auditions earlier this month, promises future contestants that a role on the show will help them achieve their dreams of appearing on a real catwalk.

Women auditioning for the show have to provide MTV with their bust measurements, dress size and must be ready and willing to "sweat off the pounds" in order to be transformed into a well-groomed fashion model.

"MTV is looking for girls willing to shed the pounds (30-80 lbs), become a model and win $100,000!" reads the casting call announcement on MTV's Web site.

"We are looking for girls with a great attitude, a pretty face and the endurance to sweat off the pounds during a 3 month boot camp style show," the announcement reads.

The casting call also asks for potential contestants to submit a laundry list of other specifics -- including waist and hip measurements and their weight -- and also requires applicants be between 5 foot 6 inches and 6 feet in height who "appear" to be between 18 and 25 years old.

And for the woman who outlasts the other 14 contestants through a myriad elimination challenges, a prize package will be hers -- including $100,000 in prize money, a modeling portfolio and a personal trainer.

At a casting call in Kansas City, Mo., one aspiring model hopeful told ABCNews.com that she hopes to lose 30 pounds if she's chosen to be on the show.

Paige Renfrow, a 5 feet 11 inch 200 pound high school student, said she considers herself to be "pretty" and while she isn't "obsessed with beauty" would still like to lose some weight.

Like many of the contestants waiting in line to audition, Renfrow said she has dreamed of becoming a model since she was a little girl, when she would try on her mother's clothes and get her parents to photograph her.

Despite repeated attempts by ABCNews.com to solicit a comment from MTV, the network declined to elaborate and said it would have more information about the program later this fall.

While casting call dates have been scheduled around the country, the show has not yet been given the green light for taping.

A spokeswoman at MTV said that the decision to go ahead and tape a series will depend on the results of the auditions.