Madrid fashion week, one of Spain's most prestigious shows, is banning underweight models on the basis of their body mass index (BMI). UN health experts recommend a BMI of between 18.5 and about 25, and some models may fall well below the minimum. The Spanish Association of Fashion Designers has decided to ban models who have a BMI of less than 18. Unhealthily skinny models at last year's fashion shows led to protests from doctors and women's rights groups. The association agreed to use the BMI - a calculation based on height and weight - in response to local government pressure. It suggests that 30% of would-be participants fail...
