Designers Say No to Size Zero

Posted by Kate Luther Dec 20, 2006

Okay, this is a first.

In what could be the first step in a much healthier direction, Italian fashion designers have decided to ban size zero models from the catwalks.

Still reeling from the recent anorexia-related death of 21 year-old Brazilian model Ana Reston, the move follows Madrid's decision to ban models with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 18. Citing the widespread problem of eating disorders among young women, fashion officials and the Italian government agreed that a "healthier" fashion model is the right way to go.

"It's true that anorexia is not born on the catwalk," said Italy's Youth Minister Giovanna Melandri, "but the fashion industry could not stand by as an indifferent spectator."

Research estimates that around 7 million women (all ages) suffer from one eating disorder or another. Anorexia Nervosa is one of the deadliest diseases among teenage girls and an estimated 15% of sufferers will die from it.

Does that mean bigger is better?

While America suffers from obesity as well, this latest move does give support the idea that a healthy body image doesn't necessarily mean skin and bones. Now if only we could all take that message to heart... we might find that we're happier and healthier because of it.

What do you think?

Will the fashion industry's move away from size zero help improve the average girl's self-image? Take our poll and vote!