I know several women who decided to compete in these fitness model competitions. They are not like the totally ripped male-like bodybuilding models, but more like bikini fitness models. I think it is good to have something to help drive your fitness goals and to be in a setting where you are held accountable by others. However, these women go through a rigid exercise and nutrition plan and cut for competition day, when they parade around stage covered in so much spray tan their skin looks orange. It seriously looks like a circus to me, or American Gladiators on acid. All this in the name of health and fitness?! How does eating diet food chalk full of aspartame/Splenda and chemicals, depleting oneself from an ACTUALLY healthy diet and adequate hydration, all while doing two-a-days at the gym constitute as healthy? Sorry, but I don't see the bikini division of a fitness model competition as a SPORT, and the only reason why people should cut weight to make a weight class is for competitive sports. From what I've seen and heard, it just seems like a socially acceptable way to engage in eating disordered behaviours. In response to the defense I always here - "how can it be an eating disorder if I eat 6 times a day and have muscle mass?" There is a wide spectrum of eating disorders and they are not just limited to anorexia/bulimia. All I can say is when taking things to one extreme, you will inevitably experience a backlash and go to the other. More yo-yo'ing, instead of just adopting a healthy lifestyle and attitude towards exercise and food. These competitions look like those child pageants but for adults. The chicks look awful and the whole thing is absolutely insane!