Do you think the BMI restrictions on models are fair?

Question

I read today (in yahoo) that the Milan fashion is refusing to impose the BMI restrictions on models that were imposed in Madrid. The Madrid fashion show did not allow models that were deemed sickly underweight by the World Health Organization's Body Mass Index. So I went to see how I fit in. It turns out, I too am sickly underweight--according to the WHO. I am 5'4" and 105lbs, but I would hardly consider myself underweight. I have a lot of muscle and some fat (well, I'm a girl) but I have a very thin skeletal frame. So, I did a comparison with my sister. She is 5'9"(more like a model's height) and weighs a bit more than me. Turns out she is underweight too, but in my opinion she is absolutely not. She is very athletic and in excellent condition. So my question is, does weighing less than the WHO says you should make you "sickly"? And should models have to comply with the WHO regulations on weight?

For those of you who are convinced that the only fat is visible fat, you should remember that intramuscular fat is very important. It is completely possible to have muscle and fat stored in the muscle.

http://www.afpafitness.com/articles/FATSTOR.HTM

Answer 1

It sounds like they tried to solve a major problem and came up with a minor snag.

I was a petite's model for a department store and I dropped from 120 to 98 pounds in order to fit the bill. I was never anorexic or bulimic, just thin and healthy. It was great for me because I ended up being 120 at 35 years old rather than becoming a fat porker. Now at 50, I'm overweight, but I've only been that way for eight years and so I have a longer life expectancy than most Americans.

You will find that a lot of scientists are on a calorie restricted diet because their research has shown that mice live longer on a calorie restricted diet and that health measurements in humans are better.

Basically some people are underweight because of genetics or because of their healthy lifestyle. Others are underweight because of an unhealthy lifestyle.

Perhaps they should impose testing like they do for athletes. They can measure a models bone density and frame size. They can measure electrolytes. They can do a throat exam for bulima and they can do a blood test to make sure the model has adequate nutrition. They need to protect the sick ones while coming up with something that is fair.

Answer 2

I personally believe that the models should have their body fat percentage checked, rather than basing it on BMI, as models are naturally known to have very small frames and little muscle. I do feel that models with body fat less than 10% should be banned, as this is emaciated, however just because their BMI is low, does not mean they are necessarily unhealthy, although it is a well known fact that even skinny models diet to lose more weight than is necessary.

For example you have a BMI of 18 and you weigh 105lb. At 5ft 4, you may have a lean body mass of 90lb, your body fat percentage would be approximately 14%, which is perfectly acceptable. However if you had a lean body mass of 95lb, your body fat percentage would be under 10%, which is unhealthy HTH : )

Answer 3

Just take a look at the questions from young people in these forums looking for an "anorexic" diet, "how much can I lose if I starve myself for 60 days", "How can I lose 20 pounds in a week"

That right there shows the implication that sickly thin models, and the fashion industry have had on kids now. So really I care not for some self induced bulimic model when it's making some impressionable 13 yr old girl think she's overweight. Look at the bigger picture.

Answer 4

They are probably trying to avoid the excesses and abuses of the modeling world, such as bulemia, anorexia, binging and purging, taking laxatives, etc. These are very hard on one over time, and have to make being a model miserable if one isn't one of the lucky few who stays skeletal without these extreme measures.

Right now, the Madrid show you're talking about seems awfully hypocritical. --After all, the industry has encouraged these abuses, directly or indirectly, for decades now. But maybe, just MAYBE this is a turning point or sign of a more longterm change for the good finally beginning. Maybe in the future women won't be driven to make themselves sick in order to be models.

Answer 5

All BMI charts and things like that that try to standardize everyone into one category fail all the time. Just like you said, you have a very thin frame and are not necessarily underweight. I have an extremely large frame - and I am overweight - but not that much, but people THINK I am very overweight based on my weight - never mind that most of my mass is muscles, and I can leg press a car.

An excellent chart to try to find is one produced by the producers of the Beach Body exercise series. They have one of the best and most accurate charting systems around that take into account just about everything about your body style to determine what your "ideal" weight should be.

Answer 6

Yes. They are trying to encompass all body types.. The majority of the US is overweight or obese... not "sickly thin". Maybe they just want someone who is healthy and doesn't look like Miss Anorexia USA.

Answer 7

If you are 5'4" tall and weigh 105 lbs and still think that you have "fat" on your body then maybe you have already been influenced by the overly thin models of the world.

Answer 8

i dont think its fair either maybe a body mass or muscle thingy not bmi

Answer 9

its fair if only because its healthier and more attractive. how many men out their like their women to be sticks? women shouldnt ruin their health for the sake of clothes.

Answer 10

The BMI restrictions are obviously not fair..

Especially using your example.