Models shouldn’t be judged by BMI

Editorial Board

France is currently proposing a new law that would require models to have a minimum BMI of 18. The goal is for the new law to promote healthy body images and discourage eating disorders among the models. However, in discussing the new law the Mentor Editorial board found several flaws.

One initial concern raised was that for a model to have a BMI of 18 she would still be incredibly thin, another was that BMI’s aren’t actually an accurate measure of a person’s health since all they take into account is height and weight. While the law may have good intent, it doesn’t seem passing it would actually be that beneficial.

Another problem with this law is that it could also be skinny-shaming and making naturally thin girls self conscious about their body is no better than shaming those on the other end of the spectrum. Instead of trying to eliminate models that are considered too thin, why not promote diversity among models instead of selecting only one type of girl to model the clothes that are going to be worn by women of all sizes.

If the goal is promoting body acceptance they need to be accepting of all body types, not just the ones they consider desirable.

Also, if eating disorders are something they’re trying to eliminate, BMI’s don’t determine whether or not someone has an ED. There are actual medical tests that can be done and those are what should be relied on, not an inaccurate test.