Spain changes sizes to help women's health

Thu25Jan2007

Spain changes sizes to help women's health

Something great is going on in Spain: first the country's most illustrious fashion show, Pasarela Cibeles banned ultra skinny models from the runways in an attempt to adjust the perception that being impossibly skinny is something women should aspire to. Now, the Spanish government is going a step further by requiring clothes companies to change the sizing system on clothes to better women's health and self-esteem:

The program, designed by the Health Ministry, will also prevent those companies from using window displays featuring clothes smaller than a European size 38 (10 in Britain, 8 in the United States). They will have five years to phase in the change.

Spanish Health Minister Elena Salgado said, in reference to the new progam, perhaps the most sensible thing I've heard come out of politician's mouth in a long time:

"It is not reasonable for a modern and advanced society to establish stereotypes of beauty that are far removed from the social reality of a community. It is everyone's commitment that beauty and health go hand in hand..."

...Designers should be encouraged to "promote a healthy physical image that conforms with the reality of the Spanish population," the ministry said in a statement.

The new program will also "measure 8,500 Spanish girls and women between the ages of 12 and 70 to determine the true shapes of Spanish women's bodies." Is that awesome or what?

Meanwhile, the heads of the fashion industry in Italy, Britain, France and the U.K. have agreed to meet to discuss the "skinny model issue", and the organizers of London's Fashion Week says it will not follow Spain's model by imposing a ban on ultrathin models.

Related: Spanish shop dummies to put on weight (Guardian U.K.)

Via / AP - Yahoo! Entertainment

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Jennifer

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1. jessica ~ Monday, Feb 18 2008 | 19:51H:

remember food is like gas for a car. If a car does not havd gas it will run out and if our bodies do not have enough food our bodies will break down. Even if the models where a tad over weight and now way underweight they would still need food to give they`re body energy. And also eating disorders are not healthy for any body. It will KILL you.If some one has to lose weight they will have to eat healthy and exercise but you still have to eat and also it is whats on the inside and how you treat others what counts the most. I know the`re are sick models out there now and I hope this will help them get bitter. Good luck getting treatment for Anorexia and Buliema and I hope to see you all on the catwalk and on t.v again when you are filly recovered.

Sincerey:
Jessica Barnes
St.Albans, NL ,Bayd`espoir
16 years

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