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Melbourne-based digital influencer Steph Claire Smith has blown the whistle on industry practices.

In a 24-minute-long video detailing her battle with eating disorders, Smith revealed her struggle commenced at the age of 19.

After relocating to New York to build a modelling career, Smith said she was routinely pressured to shed weight.

"Pretty much the first thing they told me was that I had to lose weight," she said. "It was something that I hadn't heard before."

Smith revealed her disorder started with increased training, decreased eating and withdrawal from social events.

"I went back to the agency and I was losing weight. I thought it was amazing," she said.

"They measured me and I was still over the measurements they wanted me to be.

"They told me to stop doing things like squats and that I should just try running and yoga and eating less protein.

"They were measuring me twice a week.

"They were expecting me to do some pretty unhealthy things."

Eventually, this led Smith into a disorded pattern of binge eating.

Smith said she hoped her revelations would shed light on the issue.

The influencer is also promoting a healthier approach to life with her lifestyle blog 'Keep It Cleaner', co-run with Lauren Henshaw.

Image via Instagram / @stephclairesmith. If you need support with eating disorders or body image issues, contact the Butterfly National Eating Disorders support line on 1800 33 4673. 

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