Super-thin Ann takes model title

A judge's hands easily fitted around Ann Ward's waist. Photo / Supplied

UNITED STATES - The winner of America's Next Top Model, Ann Ward, is so thin that a judge managed to fit both hands around her waist.

"When I saw that I was the winner, I really choked up," said the waif-like 19-year-old from Dallas who weighs less than 45kg and has a 23-inch (58cm) waist.

"It was really emotional for me because I've been through a lot. I wasn't expecting to win.

"It totally caught me off guard," said 1.87m tall Ward.

Her ultra-thin frame was highlighted in an August promotional ad for the show.

Known as an advocate for images of realistic women in the media, the show's host and creator Tyra Banks later apologised for the ad.

"On behalf of the entire Top Model team, I am truly sorry for the style in which the Top Model promo clip was presented," the supermodel-turned-TV personality wrote.