No ban for too-skinny models

Bosses of a top London fashion show have said they're not barring ultra-thin models from the catwalk.

They've said they will not be banning models who are underweight from London Fashion Week, but they will be setting up a group to promote being healthy.

In Italy, underweight models and those under 16 are not allowed to strut their stuff at fashion shows.

The ban follows concerns that skinny models are a bad influence on young people who worry about their weight.

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Models taking part in fashion weeks in Milan and Madrid now have to show that they have a healthy BMI - Body Mass Index - which shows you are the right weight for your height.

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The row over skinny models was sparked in August 2006, when a model from Uruguay, Luisel Ramos, 22, died of heart failure after not eating for several days.

Her death was followed in November by that of Ana Carolina Reston, a Brazilian model who suffered from the eating disorder anorexia.

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The Eating Disorders Association said it was good news that a group was being set up to encourage models to be healthy.

Spokesperson Susan Ringwood said: "This is an important first step. I'm glad people are thinking about it, but there needs to be some action as well - they just can't talk about it."