The Cult Of Size Zero

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She was named 'Sexiest Woman Alive' by Esquire magazine for her voluptuous size 14 physique, yet even Christina Hendricks adulated curves can't reshape Hollywood's skinny standard.

"Not one designer in town will loan me a dress," the Mad Men actress told the UK’s Daily Mail, hitting back at the widespread tendency for designers to supply only sample size garments to stars for their red carpet turns. "They only lend out a size 0 or 2. So I'm still struggling for someone to give me a darn dress."

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According to celebrity trainer Patrick Murphy, who has worked with Eva Longoria Parker, with celebrities’ images under constant scrutiny, the pressure is on to stay thin for fame, with stars such as The City’s Whitney Port and expat actress Sophie Monk undergoing dramatic slim downs over recent months to stake their claim on the spotlight.

"Their body is their business," Murphy tells WHO. "The motivating factor is looking their best on the big screen or TV. Looking amazing on the red carpet is their business—not only does the public see them, but producers and directors who might hire them," he adds. "You don’t want your body to be the excuse why they’re not hired."

Having helped sculpt the bodies of Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel and Halle Berry, fellow celebrity trainer Ramona Braganza knows that for celebrities, looking their best comes at a high price, with stars often undergoing punishing exercise and diet regimes that require time and money in pursuit of Hollywood's size zero standard.

"I recommend to my clients working out five times a week for an hour at a time," she says. "It can sometimes even be six days a week. And eating is just important as exercise—I recommend eating healthy in moderation," she adds.

Cooper agrees: "If you live and breathe it 24/7 you are going to be in great shape, but you have to put in the work."

For details and exclusive photos , pick up the new issue of WHO on newsstands Friday!

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