In a world obsessed with body image, fitness, and aesthetics, the concept of “skinny” has taken on many meanings—some aspirational, others alarming. While most people associate thinness with health or fashion, there exists a small group of individuals whose extreme low body weight defies conventional understanding. Whether due to rare genetic conditions, chronic illness, or radical lifestyle choices, these people represent the outermost edge of human physiology.

This article explores the top 10 skinniest people in the world as of 2025. These individuals are not just thin—they are medically or biologically unique. Some have become advocates, others models, and a few cautionary tales. But all of them challenge our assumptions about the human body, resilience, and identity.

Top 10 Skinniest People in the World (2025): Rare Conditions, Extreme Lifestyles, and the Limits of Human Physique

1. Lizzie Velásquez – USA

Weight: ~27 kg (60 lbs)
Condition: Marfanoid–progeroid–lipodystrophy syndrome

Lizzie Velásquez is widely known not just for her appearance, but for her powerful voice. Born with a rare congenital disorder that prevents her body from storing fat, Lizzie has never weighed more than 60 pounds. Her condition also affects her connective tissue and metabolism, requiring her to eat every 15–20 minutes to maintain energy.

Despite relentless bullying and being labeled “the world’s ugliest woman” in a viral video during her youth, Lizzie transformed her pain into purpose. She became a motivational speaker, author, and anti-bullying advocate. Her TED Talk, “How Do You Define Yourself?” has inspired millions, and her story is a testament to inner strength and self-worth beyond physical appearance.

2. Loana Spangenberg – Romania

Weight: ~38 kg (84 lbs)
Waist: 20 inches

Loana Spangenberg is a Romanian model who gained international attention for her extreme hourglass figure. With a waist measuring just 20 inches and hips around 32 inches, her proportions sparked debates about body standards and health. Loana insists she eats normally and does not suffer from an eating disorder, attributing her shape to genetics.

Her appearance has been both celebrated and criticized. While some admire her unique look, others worry about the message it sends regarding body image. Loana’s case highlights the complex intersection of beauty, biology, and media influence.

3. Michele Köbke – Germany

Weight: ~38 kg (84 lbs)
Waist: 15 inches (via corset training)

Michele Köbke is a German woman who has taken body modification to an extreme. Through years of wearing a corset 24/7, she reduced her waist to just 15 inches—smaller than most children’s. Her goal is to break the world record for the smallest waist, currently held by Cathie Jung.

Michele’s lifestyle has raised serious health concerns. Doctors warn that her internal organs are being compressed, and her posture and mobility have been affected. Yet she remains committed to her aesthetic vision, viewing her body as a canvas for transformation. Her story is a provocative example of how far people will go to reshape themselves.

4. Valeria Lukyanova – Ukraine

Weight: ~42 kg (93 lbs)
Nickname: “Human Barbie”

Valeria Lukyanova is a Ukrainian model who gained fame for transforming herself into a living Barbie doll. With a tiny waist, large eyes, and exaggerated facial features, she embodies a surreal version of femininity. Valeria claims to follow a strict diet and spiritual practices, including breatharianism—the belief that one can live on light and air alone.

Her appearance has sparked global fascination and controversy. Critics accuse her of promoting unrealistic beauty standards, while supporters see her as an artist pushing the boundaries of identity. Valeria’s story is a blend of fantasy, discipline, and radical self-expression.

5. Ann Ward – USA

Weight: ~44 kg (97 lbs)
Claim to Fame: Winner of America’s Next Top Model (Cycle 15)

Ann Ward rose to fame as the winner of America’s Next Top Model in 2010. Her extremely thin frame—accentuated by her height—drew both admiration and concern. During the show, judges praised her unique look, while viewers debated whether her body type was healthy or harmful.

Ann’s victory reignited discussions about body image in fashion. While she has continued modeling, she’s also spoken about the pressures of the industry and the importance of self-acceptance. Her story reflects the tension between artistic vision and physical well-being in the modeling world.

6. Dita Von Teese – USA

Weight: ~52 kg (115 lbs)
Waist: ~22 inches (via corsetry)

Dita Von Teese is a burlesque performer and fashion icon known for her vintage glamour and ultra-slim waist. Through disciplined corset training and lifestyle choices, she maintains a waistline that harks back to Victorian ideals. While not medically underweight, her figure is a deliberate aesthetic choice.

Dita’s influence extends beyond performance—she’s a symbol of controlled elegance and retro beauty. Her approach to body shaping is rooted in artistry rather than extremism, offering a more empowered narrative of body modification.

7. Cathie Jung – USA

Weight: ~63 kg (139 lbs)
Waist: 15 inches (Guinness World Record)

Cathie Jung holds the Guinness World Record for the smallest waist on a living person. Through decades of corset training, she reduced her waist to just 15 inches. Her transformation began in the 1980s and has continued into her senior years.

Cathie’s body shape is the result of extreme discipline and a passion for historical fashion. While her lifestyle is controversial, she remains healthy and active, challenging assumptions about age, beauty, and physical limits.

8. Valeria Levitin – Monaco

Weight: ~27 kg (60 lbs)
Condition: Severe anorexia

Valeria Levitin is considered one of the skinniest women ever recorded. Her weight dropped to a dangerously low 27 kg due to severe anorexia. Once a model, Valeria’s pursuit of thinness spiraled into a life-threatening condition. She now uses her story to warn others about the dangers of eating disorders.

Valeria’s advocacy focuses on education, prevention, and compassion. Her message is clear: extreme thinness is not beauty—it’s a warning sign. Her courage in speaking out has helped countless people seek help and rethink societal pressures.

9. Tom Staniford – UK

Weight: ~65 kg (143 lbs)
Condition: MDP Syndrome

Tom Staniford is a British para-cyclist born with MDP syndrome, a rare genetic condition that prevents his body from storing fat. Despite his lean appearance, Tom is an elite athlete, competing in international cycling events and advocating for disability awareness.

His condition affects metabolism, hearing, and insulin regulation. Tom’s story is one of resilience and achievement, proving that physical differences need not limit potential. He’s a role model for inclusivity and determination in sport.

10. Ioana Spangenberg – Romania

Weight: ~40 kg (88 lbs)
Waist: ~20 inches

Ioana Spangenberg, often confused with Loana, also has an unusually small waist and extremely low body weight. Her proportions are natural, according to medical evaluations, though she’s faced scrutiny from the modeling industry and public alike.

Ioana’s story highlights the complexity of body diversity. While her figure is rare, it’s not the result of illness or modification. She challenges the idea that all extreme thinness is unhealthy, advocating for acceptance of natural variation.

The Thin Line Between Fascination and Concern

These individuals represent a wide spectrum of reasons for extreme thinness—from rare genetic disorders to intentional body modification. Their stories provoke important questions:

• What defines beauty in a globalized, media-driven world?
• How do we balance admiration with concern when it comes to body extremes?
• Can radical self-expression coexist with health and safety?

In many cases, these people have turned their uniqueness into platforms for advocacy, art, or awareness. But their lives also remind us of the dangers of unchecked body standards, the importance of medical support, and the need for compassion in how we view others.

Conclusion: Beyond the Numbers

Being “the skinniest” is not a title anyone should aspire to—it’s often a reflection of deeper medical, psychological, or societal forces. Yet the individuals on this list have shown remarkable resilience, creativity, and courage. Whether they’re battling illness, redefining beauty, or simply living their truth, they challenge us to look beyond appearances and ask deeper questions about identity, health, and humanity.

In 2025, as body diversity gains more visibility, it’s crucial to celebrate uniqueness without glamorizing extremes. These stories are not just about weight—they’re about the human spirit, and the many ways it manifests in the bodies we inhabit.