'Model Bill' ready for 1st reading

Knesset's Health Committee pushes legislation meant to ensure health in fashion industry, ban on use of grossly underweight models. MK Adatto: We must shatter anorectic beauty image

Reuters | Published: 05.19.11, 16:22

The Knesset's Labor, Welfare and Health Committee has approved a new bill proposal meant to ban the use of anorexic models in the fashion industry.

The bill, which now awaits its first reading, means to promote health and ensure all models shown in advertisements have a healthy body mass.

The bill states that any male or female model found to be grossly underweight for his or hers age and recommended Body Mass Index, will not featured in advertisements. In addition, if graphic editing is used, such as Photoshop, to make the model seem slimmer, it will be noted in the ad.

"Girls today look at the ultra-thin models on TV and dream of looking like them," said Knesset Member Rachel Adatto (Kadima) during the debate. "They are successful in their eyes. This bill, which was approved by the committee today, will shatter the anorectic beauty image portrayed by the media and fashion and advertising industries.

A sick industry? The panel (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

The bill, she added, "will protect the heath of Israeli teens. Anorexia is a malignant disease, which is potentially lethal. We mustn't stand idly by as more and more teenagers fall victim to this disease. It's our duty to fight this severe tendency. The bill won't solve all of the easting disorders, but it's a first step proving a real instrument in this important battle."

Physicians and Health Ministry delegates present at the meeting voiced their support for the bill, saying the method in which healthy body mass is measured follows international standard, which defines anyone found grossly under these recommendations as ill.

"It's a sick industry," Adi Barkan, a fashion photographer and model agent, said. "Let's put an end to it. Most models eat only about 500 calories per day and they are still told they should loose more weight."

Committee Chairman Haim Katz (Likud) concluded the meeting saying: "These statistics are horrifying. We aim to prevent any harm to the health of children and adolescents. Hurting the modeling industry is saddening, but if we know we've saved one child and one family in Israel – it's good enough."