Fearing that young models strutting New York City runways are too skinny, a state lawmaker has proposed that weight standards be established for the fashion and entertainment industries.

Bronx Assemblyman Jose Rivera wants to create a state advisory board to recommend standards and guidelines for the employment of child performers and models under 18 to prevent eating disorders.

"New York City is one of the world's leaders in fashion and entertainment, and we don't want to do anything to harm those industries," Rivera said. "At the same time we need responsible protections in place, especially for younger workers."

The world of high fashion and modelling has long been targeted by critics who say it encourages women and girls to emulate waif-like models. The November death of 21-year-old Brazilian model Ana Carolina Reston, who weighed 88 pounds, heightened criticism.

Environment, genetic makeup spur disorders

Rivera pointed to a British Medical Association study in 2000 that found a link between images of "abnormally thin" models found in fashion magazines, and an increase in disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia.

"Eating disorders come from a combination of environment and genetic makeup," said Dr. Sharon Alger-Mayer, an associate professor of medicine at Albany Medical Center.

"Being exposed to an environment with a lot of emphasis on thinness can put someone with a predisposition to eating disorders in a very high-risk situation."

The proposed board would include health experts, industry representatives, models and entertainers. It would report to the state Labour Department on the need for employment restrictions, weight or body mass index requirements, medical screenings, protocols to refer people for treatment and educational programs on eating disorders.

Rivera's bill does not yet have a sponsor in the Senate.

Designers release recommendations

Earlier this month, the Council of Fashion Designers of America released recommendations as part of a new health initiative to prevent anorexia, bulimia and smoking.

The guidelines, which are not binding for the industry, include keeping models under 16 off the runway, educating those in the industry about eating disorders, and prohibiting smoking and alcohol during fashion shows.

The voluntary guidelines, however, were criticized by some because they were voluntary and did not include any mention of using body mass index —a tool to determine if people are carrying a healthy amount of weight for their height. 

In September, Madrid Fashion Week banned models with a BMI of less than 18. The standard accepted by the World Health Organization is that anyone with a BMI under 18.5 is underweight.

Philippe Couillard, Quebec's minister of health, last October called on members of the fashion industry to meet with him and develop strategies to promote good health.

"We're not going to send the police to the fashion shows but just together show a common commitment to health," Couillard said.

In a December deal with the Italian fashion industry, designers there agreed not to hire models younger than 16, and to require all models to submit medical proof that they do not suffer from eating disorders.