France considers banning too-thin skinny models

Officials in France are pushing for a major change in the fashion capital of the world. They've proposed a new bill banning models who are too thin from walking the runway.

The law would enforce regular weight checks to ensure models have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 18. That's equivalent to a person who is 5'7" and weighs around 120 lbs.

The socialist lawmaker behind the bill told a French newspaper that models, staffers and agencies would face hefty fines and even jail time if they fail to show proper medical reports.

"It's important for fashion models to say that they need to eat well and take care of their health, especially for young women who look to the models as an aesthetic ideal," Health Minister Marisol Tourain.

Officials expect the government to back this bill and join Italy, Israel and Spain, which have already adopted laws against too-thin models and advertising campaigns that edit images to make models appear thinner.

Sarantos tweeted, "What a great idea so young impressionable girls won't feel the pressure of unrealistic goals!"

Elizabeth Panos said, "This should be everywhere."

The major health initiative stems partly from the 2007 death of French model Isabelle Caro, who died after a long battle with anorexia. According to the health ministry, some 30- to 40,000 people in France suffer from anorexia, most of whom are teens.

The legislation is going up for debate in parliament on March 17.

See photos from Paris Fashion Week:

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