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Fashion Urged to Model Health

Inquiry recommends random drug tests, no under-16s on runway

By Zach Samalin,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 14, 2007 7:20 PM CDT

(Newser) – Vulnerable young models should be subject to mandatory health checks and backstage drug testing, a British Fashion Council study said today, citing "startling" evidence  of their lack of education about health problems and eating disorders. Models would have to provide a signed health certificate from a doctor experienced in recognizing eating disorders before performing, the Guardian reports.

The study eschewed Body Mass Index measurements, calling it a "blunt instrument" that could encourage pre-show binging, followed by excessive dieting. It also recommended a ban on models under the age of 16. Estimates say up to 40% of models suffer from eating disorders. "The facts of the modeling industry are not so glamorous," the head of the study says.

Models parade down the runway at the finale of the Jennifer Lopez Justsweet 2008 spring/summer collection during Fashion Week, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007, in New York. (AP Photo/ Louis Lanzano)
Models parade down the runway at the finale of the Jennifer Lopez Justsweet 2008 spring/summer collection during Fashion Week, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007, in New York. (AP Photo/ Louis Lanzano)   (Associated Press)
Models display creations from US fashion designer Donna Karan...
Models display creations from US fashion designer Donna Karan...   (Getty Images (by Event))
Tommy Hilfiger - Runway - MBFW Spring 08
Tommy Hilfiger - Runway - MBFW Spring 08   (Getty Images)
A model wears a creation of designer Jennifer Lopez for the  showing of her Justsweet 2008 spring/summer collection during Fashion Week, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007, in New York. (AP Photo/ Louis Lanzano)
A model wears a creation of designer Jennifer Lopez for the showing of her Justsweet 2008 spring/summer collection during Fashion Week, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007, in New York. (AP Photo/ Louis Lanzano)   (Associated Press)
A model wears a creation from the Diesel 2008 spring/summer collection during Fashion Week in New York, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007. (AP Photo/Stuart Ramson)
A model wears a creation from the Diesel 2008 spring/summer collection during Fashion Week in New York, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007. (AP Photo/Stuart Ramson)   (Associated Press)
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