There is nothing new about the fact that the target-hired model in the fashion industry is a tall and skinny girl who can usually fit into a size 00-2. This range of small sizes is often seen as the gateway ticket for aspiring models looking to walk in exclusive runway shows during fashion weeks around the world as well as modeling for high fashion ads.
In the past, many people have turned a blind eye to the increasingly apparent health risks that come along with being a young female model- but not anymore. While there are many women out there who are happy and healthy as a small size due to that just simply being their body type, other women resort to anorexia to achieve a frame small enough to be hired.
According to TIME, “France has become the latest country to ban excessively skinny models from working in the ultra-chic country’s fashion industry, joining Israel, Spain, and Italy.” The recently passed bill has been a part of a campaign that has been gaining momentum in an effort to try to rid the fashion industry of promoting anorexia as a norm among models.
TIME sums up the recent legislative vote in which, “The bill, which requires models to have a medical certificate vouching for what the government deems a healthy BMI, was paired with another recent bill that bans pro-anorexia websites that offer “thinspiration.” The legislation is an attempt to stop the idealization of the dangerously thin and, perhaps, curb anorexia.”
With this legislation there have been an overwhelming around of mixed responses from the public. According to the bill, using a model who has a BMI (Body Mass Index) under 18 could result in up to six months of jail time as well as a fine equivalent to $82,000. This steep penalty has raised questions by happy and healthy women who are under 18 BMI and are questioning if setting such a rigid standard will have an adverse effect and cause more issues.
Model Lindsay Scott explained that at 108 pounds, 5 ft., 8in, she had a BMI of 18. She shared her opinion regarding the potential negative effects of the bill. “Having a bunch of tall, thin, pretty, potentially healthy teenagers cram cupcakes for two weeks and fill themselves with fat injections until they’re runway-ready might sound like a great idea for a reality show, but really, is forcing some models into a thicker body type that may not be natural for them the best way to solve a health problem?” (Cosmopolitan).
Although this legislation may not solve the underlying health problems associated with anorexia or even binge eating, it is clear that there is a problem that needs to be taken care of. This problem is one that women of all ages may suffer from regardless of if they live in France or not.
From around the globe, female body image is a constant struggle for many, and as collegiettes we have the power to recognize this and look to the future to change it.