'Human mannequinism,' a condition does exist

A rare genetic condition known as FOP gradually causes one to become a "human mannequin" as the body goes through ossification as time goes by.

The medical world is one that holds many surprises. Doctors in their lifetime may discover new conditions and ailments at the same time not learn of anything new. Then, the new doctors in their lifetime learn about new things in the medical world as well. As time goes on, let alone in the medical world, new rare conditions are discovered and documented. The condition called fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, known as FOP, is one of those rare conditions. FOP, which was documented by Guy Patin back in the late 17th century, is a rare and fatal disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure at the moment for FOP. According to an article on the International Business Times, scientists have found a way to stop it from progressing in mice. Those with FOP will gradually go the process of ossification. In time, those with the condition will have their muscles, tendons, and ligaments ossified which is defined as being replaced by bone. According to the United States National Library of Medicine (NLM), FOP becomes generally noticeable in early childhood. This is a rare genetic disease that affects one out of two-million people. As it is a genetic disease, there is a rare chance that a descendant of someone with FOP could inherit it. When the extra bone forms across the joints, movement is restricted. Gradually as one with FOP gets older, that person does become a “human mannequin.” Keep in mind that this is nothing like the 1987 movie “Mannequin” that starred Andrew McCarthy and Kim Cattrall. In the case of young model Louise Wedderburn, a realistic view is painted of what it's like to end up being a human mannequin. Despite her condition, Wedderburn is not letting it get to her. She is the focus of a new documentary coming out called “The Human Mannequin.” According to media outlets, the documentary is receiving a lot of interest. While faced with a disease that could kill her in the future, Wedderburn continues to sally forth through life. Despite the condition, Wedderburn continues to pursue a career in the world of fashion. So far, she has received a few temporary positions. For more information on FOP, one should take a look at various health websites such as the US Library of Medicine. This is not the only rare condition to be reported on in the fall. Back in September, an article was ran on Lizzie Velasquez, a senior at Texas State University who is a few years older than Wedderburn. While Velasquez does not have FOP, she does have a rare condition. Velasquez's condition is that she has no adipose tissue present on her body. The layman's explanation is: she has no body fat present at all. Despite having to consume thousands of calories a day, Velasquez still weights under 60 lbs. While Wedderburn's condition of “human mannequinism” has a name, Velasquez's condition has yet to be given a name. So far, she is only one out of three people in the world to have this rare and currently nameless condition. Velasquez has been the target of cyberbullying as a result of the condition. They even cruelly called her the “ugliest woman in the world.”