Israel Bans Models under BMI 18.5

MoreBean13

Israeli Models to Beef Up in 2013 as Law Regulating Size Goes Into Effect

The new year means new rules for Israel’s fashion models. A new law went into effect Tuesday that prohibits any male or female model with a body mass index (BMI) below 18.5 from being shown in the media, on Israeli websites or from walking down the catwalk at fashion shows.

The law, initiated by then-Kadima MK Rachel Adatto, aims to protect impressionable teens from eating disorders.

The law was also sponsored by Likud-Beytenu MK Danny Danon and is believed to be the first of its kind in the world. Violations are not considered a criminal offense, but violators can be sued in court by interested citizens, including families whose relatives have suffered or died due to eating disorders encouraged by images of overly thin models.

The law also requires any advertisement that uses Photoshop or other graphics programs that make the model appear to be under 18.5 BMI to be labeled with a warning that the image was distorted. The warning must be clear and prominent, covering at least 7 percent of the ad space.

Any model to be used in campaigns and fashion shows must first obtain and present written statements from their physician within a three-month time frame stating that their BMI is above 18.5. If not, they do not qualify.

The law has been met with some controversy. Model and TV personality Yael Goldman told Israel’s Channel 2 that the law had no “beneficial effect.” She said, “You can not change the world, models have always been thin and are thin, and there it is,” and added, “the focus must be on educating” the models about the issues.

According to the Jerusalem Post, nearly 1,500 teenagers develop an eating disorder each year in Israel, and 5% of those suffering from anorexia die.

From http://www.algemeiner.com/2013/01/01/israeli-models-to-beef-up-in-2013-as-law-restricting-size-goes-into-effect/

Thoughts? Discuss.
Please, be respectful of all body types and don't post any body-shaming comments in this thread, in accordance with MFP guidelines. I will report and have the thread shut down if this becomes body-bashing thread.

1ConcreteGirl

Israel has also banned soy in infant formula because of its high levels of estrogen. Sounds like they are pretty involved in the health of their people.

On the other side of the fence is Japan, with its regulations on fat implemented through mandatory waist measurement. (Though, to my knowledge, it has no limiting regulations on the skinniness side.)

Interesting stuff.

BinaryPulsar

Being slender is part of the job. Making 18.5 the cut of seems a bit extreme to me, as some people do fall below that cut off which is based on averages (just as some people are in the obese category and are not over-fat). I feel like the answer to cultural body image issues is not to fire slim people that are still healthy. There are more accurate measurements of health than BMI.

sarahisme18

On the one hand, I think it is great that something is being done... like requiring some sort of standard and providing warning labels. Fake images of unhealthy people as an ideal can be just as dangerous as other things that currently have warning labels.

But I do think that BMI is not a good indicator, and if their goal is to educate and change perceptions, they really could begin with debunking the BMI madness.

dare2love81

:noway:

Hmmm...I have mixed thoughts on this. Probably best if I return after a night of sleep with a clear head before I respond. :yawn:

Interesting article though for sure, good find Bean! :flowerforyou:

Awkward30

Being slender is part of the job. Making 18.5 the cut of seems a bit extreme to me, as some people do fall below that cut off which is based on averages (just as some people are in the obese category and are not over-fat). I feel like the answer to cultural body image issues is not to fire slim people that are still healthy. There are more accurate measurements of health than BMI.

While I completely agree, especially since I'm overweight by BMI but not overfat, the simple solution for those models would be to put on more muscle, which would be a look I would find more aesthetically pleasing anyways.

danasings

Very interesting. If it helps minimize eating disorders, then wonderful. Do I personally think it will work? I honestly don't know.

ETA: my reply is so helpful, eh?

DawnEH612

Interesting topic. Seems its a great sart and whether or not it will help ward off EDs is yet to be seen. I LOVE the idea that they have to use a disclamer in ads if the body has been photoshopped to look thinner... I think THAT in and of itself would help educate people that even those seemingly "perfect" need the help of photoshop. ????

danasings

Interesting topic. Seems its a great sart and whether or not it will help ward off EDs is yet to be seen. I LOVE the idea that they have to use a disclamer in ads if the body has been photoshopped to look thinner... I think THAT in and of itself would help educate people that even those seemingly "perfect" need the help of photoshop. ????

I agree with that...disclaimers pointing out altered images should be PROMINENTLY displayed.

BinaryPulsar

A better measurement could be to simply pass the "bill of health" through their doctor with a thorough examination. Seems easy enough (and the doctor will take BMI as well as other factors into consideration).

BinaryPulsar

Being slender is part of the job. Making 18.5 the cut of seems a bit extreme to me, as some people do fall below that cut off which is based on averages (just as some people are in the obese category and are not over-fat). I feel like the answer to cultural body image issues is not to fire slim people that are still healthy. There are more accurate measurements of health than BMI.

While I completely agree, especially since I'm overweight by BMI but not overfat, the simple solution for those models would be to put on more muscle, which would be a look I would find more aesthetically pleasing anyways.

Some people are naturally slim, even when lifting weights and well nourished.

MoreBean13

A better measurement could be to simply pass the "bill of health" through their doctor with a thorough examination. Seems easy enough (and the doctor will take BMI as well as other factors into consideration).

Yeah, but the idea is not necessarily for the health of the models, it's for the imagery exposed to teenagers. Images of what would be considered underweight people, healthy or not, might present the same unrealistic ideals to people. I don't know, really, I'm just thinking out loud. I haven't had a chance to fully digest the concept yet.

Awkward30

A better measurement could be to simply pass the "bill of health" through their doctor with a thorough examination. Seems easy enough (and the doctor will take BMI as well as other factors into consideration).

In an ideal world, maybe, but without firm guidelines (which will never be applicable to EVERYONE), there will be doctors that are more or less lenient and the models will just go to the lenient doctors.

1ConcreteGirl

Interesting topic. Seems its a great sart and whether or not it will help ward off EDs is yet to be seen. I LOVE the idea that they have to use a disclamer in ads if the body has been photoshopped to look thinner... I think THAT in and of itself would help educate people that even those seemingly "perfect" need the help of photoshop. ????

I agree with that...disclaimers pointing out altered images should be PROMINENTLY displayed.

Then you get into all kinds of debates over what kind of photoshopping needs to be qualified. What if you just change the colors and tone of a photo? What if you give a model an extra nose? What about all the stuff in between? I like the idea in theory, but implementing it will be tough, especially since it is in the fashion industry's best interest to promote unattainable standards of beauty.

cmriverside

I'd like to comment, but my brain is only good for snippiness at this time of day...the Israli plan sounds good idea in theory. I look forward to the smart people of MFP making some sense of this for me.

angelique_redhead

Interesting. "Normal" BMI used to be 18-25. I'm betting a lot of these women are more like a 15 or less though. I've known some models. One was 5'10" and weighs 110 at most according to her.

tobnrn

Interesting find beans.

Awkward30

Being slender is part of the job. Making 18.5 the cut of seems a bit extreme to me, as some people do fall below that cut off which is based on averages (just as some people are in the obese category and are not over-fat). I feel like the answer to cultural body image issues is not to fire slim people that are still healthy. There are more accurate measurements of health than BMI.

While I completely agree, especially since I'm overweight by BMI but not overfat, the simple solution for those models would be to put on more muscle, which would be a look I would find more aesthetically pleasing anyways.

Some people are naturally slim, even when lifting weights and well nourished.

I really think that anyone that tries hard can put on some muscle. And since all BMI cares about is weight, increasing the lean mass would do this without asking the model to add more fat.

BinaryPulsar

My BMI is 18.3. And I am healthy. Should I be fired?

MoreBean13

Interesting topic. Seems its a great sart and whether or not it will help ward off EDs is yet to be seen. I LOVE the idea that they have to use a disclamer in ads if the body has been photoshopped to look thinner... I think THAT in and of itself would help educate people that even those seemingly "perfect" need the help of photoshop. ????

I agree with that...disclaimers pointing out altered images should be PROMINENTLY displayed.

Then you get into all kinds of debates over what kind of photoshopping needs to be qualified. What if you just change the colors and tone of a photo? What if you give a model an extra nose? What about all the stuff in between? I like the idea in theory, but implementing it will be tough, especially since it is in the fashion industry's best interest to promote unattainable standards of beauty.

Well, they said only photoshopping that makes the model appear less than 18.5- so probably colors and noses would be OK, but not pinching the waist to appear 17". I have NO idea how they could possibly control that in practical application though.

I foresee lots of loopholes- the biggest one being that since BMI only considers weight and height, a model could "bulk" and intentionally bloat before the exam, and then has 3 whole months of time during which that certification is valid- 3 months is a long time.

BinaryPulsar

Interesting. "Normal" BMI used to be 18-25. I'm betting a lot of these women are more like a 15 or less though. I've known some models. One was 5'10" and weighs 110 at most according to her.

This is true!

Awkward30

I'm not saying this is the best idea in the universe, but you could eat at a surplus for a couple months, put on a pound of muscle, and be over 18.5 and able to work.

1ConcreteGirl

My BMI is 18.3. And I am healthy. Should I be fired?

OFF WITH HER HEAD!

BinaryPulsar

A better measurement could be to simply pass the "bill of health" through their doctor with a thorough examination. Seems easy enough (and the doctor will take BMI as well as other factors into consideration).

Yeah, but the idea is not necessarily for the health of the models, it's for the imagery exposed to teenagers. Images of what would be considered underweight people, healthy or not, might present the same unrealistic ideals to people. I don't know, really, I'm just thinking out loud. I haven't had a chance to fully digest the concept yet.

Slim teenagers like to feel "normal" also.

BinaryPulsar

My BMI is 18.3. And I am healthy. Should I be fired?

OFF WITH HER HEAD!

:laugh:

EngineerPrincess

Photoshop disclaimers: good. Ban based on BMI? That is a TERRIBLE way to battle eating disorders. MANY girls have a natural bmi of under 18.5 and eat like horses, I did until I was in my very late teens. What we need to teach girls is that their worth isn't based on their looks, not slightly regulate the weight of girls on the catwalk. High fashion is art and models are basically hangers for clothes-- and I haven't met many girls who actually watch high fashion shows and say "I want to look like that." I've heard that said about victorias secret models, but those girls are usually over 18.5 and over anyway. In my experience (and I've known a LOT of people with eating disorders), high fashion isn't the *cause* of eating disorders, it's always emotional and mental issues first that drive someone to an extreme and disordered behavior.

What needs to be done is spend the money educating the public on eating disorders themselves. For a lot of the girls suffering it's not even about being skinny. It's about the control, the mindset, the anxiety, so many other things. Regulations like this are a waste of time but worse, they purvey stereotypes about eating disorders that are highly incorrect.

MoreBean13

A better measurement could be to simply pass the "bill of health" through their doctor with a thorough examination. Seems easy enough (and the doctor will take BMI as well as other factors into consideration).

Yeah, but the idea is not necessarily for the health of the models, it's for the imagery exposed to teenagers. Images of what would be considered underweight people, healthy or not, might present the same unrealistic ideals to people. I don't know, really, I'm just thinking out loud. I haven't had a chance to fully digest the concept yet.

Slim teenagers like to feel "normal" also.

That's true. I don't really know the answer. I guess the risks associated with slim teenagers not seeing their body type portrayed have to be weighed against the risks of those who are not naturally underweight seeing imagery of underweight models. I suppose there could be backlash from naturally slim people, but I wonder if there are really health risks associated with naturally slim people wanting to be "healthy" BMI. There could be, I guess.

1ConcreteGirl

A better measurement could be to simply pass the "bill of health" through their doctor with a thorough examination. Seems easy enough (and the doctor will take BMI as well as other factors into consideration).

Yeah, but the idea is not necessarily for the health of the models, it's for the imagery exposed to teenagers. Images of what would be considered underweight people, healthy or not, might present the same unrealistic ideals to people. I don't know, really, I'm just thinking out loud. I haven't had a chance to fully digest the concept yet.

Slim teenagers like to feel "normal" also.

That's true. I don't really know the answer. I guess the risks associated with slim teenagers not seeing their body type portrayed have to be weighed against the risks of those who are not naturally underweight seeing imagery of underweight models. I suppose there could be backlash from naturally slim people, but I wonder if there are really health risks associated with naturally slim people wanting to be "healthy" BMI. There could be, I guess.

This is just anecdotal, but I knew a guy who was so freaking skinny... just, like 6'0 and 130 lbs. Hugging him was like hugging a marionette, all bony sticks poking me everywhere.

He was very good friends with my roommate, who told me he confided in her that he was so upset about being unable to gain weight that he sometimes cried of frustration. I think it happens. And not just with girls.

BinaryPulsar

Photoshop disclaimers: good. Ban based on BMI? That is a TERRIBLE way to battle eating disorders. MANY girls have a natural bmi of under 18.5 and eat like horses, I did until I was in my very late teens. What we need to teach girls is that their worth isn't based on their looks, not slightly regulate the weight of girls on the catwalk. High fashion is art and models are basically hangers for clothes-- and I haven't met many girls who actually watch high fashion shows and say "I want to look like that." I've heard that said about victorias secret models, but those girls are usually over 18.5 and over anyway. In my experience (and I've known a LOT of people with eating disorders), high fashion isn't the *cause* of eating disorders, it's always emotional and mental issues first that drive someone to an extreme and disordered behavior.

What needs to be done is spend the money educating the public on eating disorders themselves. For a lot of the girls suffering it's not even about being skinny. It's about the control, the mindset, the anxiety, so many other things. Regulations like this are a waste of time but worse, they purvey stereotypes about eating disorders that are highly incorrect.

I agree with this.

Absolutely seeing models is not the cause of eating disorders. The causes of eating disorders are much deeper than that. It's not about trying to look like a model. It is a slow suicide based on deep emotional pain and trying to gain a feeling of control that has nothing to do with being skinny. In fact for some people being skinny may be the place they choose to express this because it is something that is easy for them to control because they are already naturally slim. Or maybe they have deeper body image issues and being slim is the only thing they think they have going for them. Telling them that being slim and all that comes with that is not normal actually makes it worse because it is not about trying to look "normal", it's about struggling with a deep feeling of never being able to be "normal". And this may be because they believe they are damaged by something much deeper than seeing models.

EngineerPrincess

A better measurement could be to simply pass the "bill of health" through their doctor with a thorough examination. Seems easy enough (and the doctor will take BMI as well as other factors into consideration).

Yeah, but the idea is not necessarily for the health of the models, it's for the imagery exposed to teenagers. Images of what would be considered underweight people, healthy or not, might present the same unrealistic ideals to people. I don't know, really, I'm just thinking out loud. I haven't had a chance to fully digest the concept yet.

Slim teenagers like to feel "normal" also.

That's true. I don't really know the answer. I guess the risks associated with slim teenagers not seeing their body type portrayed have to be weighed against the risks of those who are not naturally underweight seeing imagery of underweight models. I suppose there could be backlash from naturally slim people, but I wonder if there are really health risks associated with naturally slim people wanting to be "healthy" BMI. There could be, I guess.

There are indeed health risks. I was so skinny in my early teens that I realized I could eat whatever I wanted and not gain. So I did-- candy, pasta, whole pizzas, some days I ate ridiculous amounts of sugar. Where did that get me? VERY poor health from the junk I ate in order to gain. I'm hypoglycemic now, likely because I didn't eat healthy and let my sugars get out of control. I also had to totally revamp my diet because my immune system was so weak. Skinny people need to eat healthy foods too and be accepted for the weight they are, people who comment on someone being too skinny are JUST AS HURTFUL as people who shame obese people. Eating disorders to NOT HAVE TO DO WITH WEIGHT, they are a mental illness.

MoreBean13

A better measurement could be to simply pass the "bill of health" through their doctor with a thorough examination. Seems easy enough (and the doctor will take BMI as well as other factors into consideration).

Yeah, but the idea is not necessarily for the health of the models, it's for the imagery exposed to teenagers. Images of what would be considered underweight people, healthy or not, might present the same unrealistic ideals to people. I don't know, really, I'm just thinking out loud. I haven't had a chance to fully digest the concept yet.

Slim teenagers like to feel "normal" also.

That's true. I don't really know the answer. I guess the risks associated with slim teenagers not seeing their body type portrayed have to be weighed against the risks of those who are not naturally underweight seeing imagery of underweight models. I suppose there could be backlash from naturally slim people, but I wonder if there are really health risks associated with naturally slim people wanting to be "healthy" BMI. There could be, I guess.

There are indeed health risks. I was so skinny in my early teens that I realized I could eat whatever I wanted and not gain. So I did-- candy, pasta, whole pizzas, some days I ate ridiculous amounts of sugar. Where did that get me? VERY poor health from the junk I ate in order to gain. I'm hypoglycemic now, likely because I didn't eat healthy and let my sugars get out of control. I also had to totally revamp my diet because my immune system was so weak. Skinny people need to eat healthy foods too and be accepted for the weight they are, people who comment on someone being too skinny are JUST AS HURTFUL as people who shame obese people. Eating disorders to NOT HAVE TO DO WITH WEIGHT, they are a mental illness.

I agree that Eating Disorders are much deeper than just media portrayal of thin people as ideal, but there's also evidence that there is a causal relationship between those portrayals and the development of eating disorders:

Eating Disorders and the Role of the Media
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2533817/

"Results: This review demonstrates that the media does contribute to the development of eating disorders."

From the text:

"The current evidence suggests that the negative effects of the media are more pronounced for individuals who are already at-risk or vulnerable (Stice, 2002). The meta-analytic review by Groesz et al. (2002) indicated that females who have already internalized the thin beauty ideal and/or who already have high levels of body dissatisfaction are most vulnerable. A meta-analytic review by Stice (2002) further indicated that adolescent girls with initial deficits in social support and elevations in perceived pressure to be thin are also more vulnerable to the effects of the media messages. "

"The research on the impact of the media on body dissatisfaction, eating pathology, and negative affect indicates that the media is a causal risk factor for the development of eating disorders and negative affect (Groesz et al., 2002; Stice, 2002). Controlled experimental studies, prospective studies on perceived pressure, and naturalistic studies support the theory that media messages directly contribute to the extensive body discontent experienced by girls and women today in Western society."

Conclusion:

"In conclusion, the mass media surrounds us with images of the “thin ideal” for females, an ideal that has become increasingly thin since the 1950’s and thus increasingly unrealistic for most girls and women. The messages and images that focus on the value of appearances and thinness for females have a significant negative impact on body satisfaction, weight preoccupation, eating patterns, and the emotional well-being of women in western culture. Research has demonstrated that the media contributes to the development and maintenance of eating disorders. Prevention and treatment of eating disorders should therefore include media literacy, activism, and advocacy. Given the prevalence of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in females in our society, and the associations which have been found between eating disorders and the media, it would be prudent for professionals and the public to advocate for more positive and self-esteem building messages to be conveyed to females by the media. Future research should focus on ways to counter-act the effects of the media, in order to improve body satisfaction and self-esteem for girls and women in western culture."

So I agree that the foundation of the disease is deeper than the media portrayal, but to say that the media has nothing to do with eating disorder development is, in my opinion, wrong. But, I'm also not convinced that there aren't going to be rebound problems at the other end of the spectrum, from naturally slim people, as has already been brought up. I'm not sure the consequences associated with those people have been appropriately considered- honestly, I have no idea. But I agree with you that focus should cooperatively be focused on healthy-body image campaigns, self-esteem, healthy nutrition and lifestyle education, and eating disorder prevention and awareness. I don't think the Israeli plan is totally off-base, but perhaps incomplete.