Weight minimums for models?

The average model is 23 pounds lighter and 7 inches taller than the average woman.

I think a minimum weight should be imposed on models, because by doing so we would protect the models themselves, the integrity of the human race, the fashion industry and our younger generations. Younger generations should not grow up in a society where they're judged on things they cannot control, such as their body type, skin color and height.

Three well-known models have recently passed away within six months of each other due to complications of anorexia. This number doesn't include many who have ruined their lives trying to achieve this unrealistic aspiration. Models are told consistently to lose weight by agents and photographers. If the weight of a model had to be approved before they were able to walk in a fashion show, models may not feel so pressured to be so thin. If a model weighed in under the minimum weight they would lose jobs. Madrid and Milan have already issued a minimum weight rule on some of their fashion shows. Health officials were present to check the models for a body mass index of 18.5 percent or above. If they did not meet this criterion they were turned away. They turned away 30 percent of their former participants.

People will say that this restriction will limit those who are naturally thin. Having a BMI of 16.3 percent is not natural. The restrictions imposed would not be so harsh that a naturally thin model would have no chance in walking in the show, but they would have to be strict enough that the fashion industry realizes their impact on society and starts to suffer the consequences of their actions and the images they put out there as ideals.

Elizabeth Krunnfusz

Naperville