Thousands have examined the proportions and measurements of the Babrbie and seen a body that in real life would be grossly misshapen and exaggerated. Recently however, a Russian model has claimed to possess a figure somewhat in keeping with the actual form of the traditional Barbie doll, and purportedly does so through a technique in which she breathes for food.

Valeria Lukyanova, makes the assertion that she is no longer living off of food, but instead obtains sustenance from light and air, giving her body the appearance of a living Barbie doll. This is a diet that is boldly proclaimed as "Breatharianism" In an interview with the International Business Times Lukyanova told a reporter: "In recent weeks I have not been hungry at all; I'm hoping it's the final stage before I can subsist on air and light alone."

There are no recorded cases of this kind of physical deprivation actually yielding a sustainable lifestyle long term, although historically, many Eastern spiritual traditions have claimed practitioners that are able to eat next to nothing.

It may be that Lukyanova doesn't have to keep this up forever though, as a new Barbie doll with less outrageous proportions is being designed by artist Nickolay Lamm. The doll will possess average characteristics and be modeled after the proportions of an average 19 year old woman. The waist is much thicker so this version of the Barbie, to be called the Lammily, would set a more realistic standard for Lukyanova to follow.

Lamm commented on his frustration with the omnipresent representation of the female form that the Barbie delivered, saying in an interview with Time Magazine: "A lot of people asked where they could buy normal Barbie. But no one could buy it because it didn't exist."