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French Government Bans Ultra-Thin Models

Could a ban on ultra-thin models take hold in the U.S.?

Against the backdrop of a global movement to rid the fashion industry of emaciated-looking models, France has become another country to ban the practice. The French government recently passed legislation to ban ultra-thin models. Instead of using BMI as some advocates wanted to determine the health of a model, in France a doctor’s examination is the final say in whether a model is healthy enough to work.

Marisol Touraine, France's Minister of Social Affairs and Health, stated:

"Exposing young people to normative and unrealistic images of bodies leads to a sense of self-depreciation and poor self-esteem that can impact health-related behavior."

France is not the first country to introduce legislation of this kind. Similar laws are in effect in Italy, Spain, and Israel all of which require a minimum BMI.

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