Valeria Levitin, often called the world’s thinnest woman, weighs a shocking four stone. At 5ft 8in, she’s far below the healthy range of 9 to 12 stone for her height. But rather than glamorize her appearance, Valeria is on a mission to warn others about the dangers of extreme dieting and societal pressure for thinness.
She’s not just speaking out—she’s pleading for change.
At 39, Valeria opened up about the heartbreaking fan mail she receives. “I’ve had emails from young girls asking me to teach them how to be like me,” she shared. “Most of the letters come from women in their twenties who see me as an inspiration.”
But Valeria refuses to glorify her condition. Instead, she uses her platform to fight anorexia, calling it a “path to self-destruction.”
A Life Shaped by a Quest for Perfection
Valeria’s battle with an eating disorder began in her teens, deeply rooted in her upbringing. Her mother, fearing obesity ran in the family, enforced strict dietary rules from a young age. This obsession with weight created a dangerous cycle.
By 16, Valeria moved to Chicago, weighing a healthy 10 stone. Desperate to fit in at her new school, she believed that losing weight would bring her acceptance. Cutting out sugar and carbs, she began her spiral into severe restriction.
One cruel remark during a football game became a turning point. “A man said, ‘We can win if we put Valeria’s big arse in the goal,’” she recalled. “It shattered my world.”
The weight loss escalated. By 23, her dress size had dropped from a 12 to a 6, but even then, she was told she wasn’t thin enough for modeling. By 24, she weighed just six stone, a level that forced her to stop dancing due to the risk of injury.
A Lonely and Isolated Life
For over a decade, Valeria sought help from more than 30 specialists but saw little improvement. At her lowest, she weighed 3st 10lbs, and her body now rejects many foods she once loved—she can’t even remember the taste of bread.
Her illness has robbed her of companionship. Unattached for ten years, Valeria finds relationships nearly impossible. Simple joys like dining out with a partner are out of reach.
“It’s not just physical,” she explains. “There’s a lack of harmony between my body and soul.”
Holding Onto Hope
Despite her struggles, Valeria dreams of a brighter future. She hopes to become a mother through surrogacy and believes this goal could inspire her to fight for her health.
“I have so much love to give,” she said. “But I know it wouldn’t be fair to have a child while I’m ill. I’m determined to stand up to anorexia. I’ve never given up on anything, and I won’t start now.”
Her courage is inspiring, but her story is also a stark reminder of the dangers of valuing thinness above health.
What do you think of Valeria’s journey? Share her story to spread awareness and encourage healthier conversations about body image and self-love.
