Israel Proposes Law Banning Underweight Models

The government endorsed a bill Sunday aimed at preventing underweight models from being featured in advertisements.
According to the bill, commercial groups will be prohibited from displaying underweight models, and model agents will be banned from employing or representing such models. This also includes a ban on shooting underweight models, who will not be allowed to serve as label spokespersons.

A fine of NIS 75,000 (roughly $19,500) will be imposed on whomever breaks the law, which could go up to NIS 220,000 (approximately $57,000) if a campaign featuring underweight models is launched in the media.

The bill requires models provide a medical permit indicating their body mass index (BMI) is normal.

The initial proposal also sought a ban on computer programs which re-touch models’ figures, however the bill approved by the government does not contain such a clause. Advertisers will be required to add a note whenever such programs have been used.

An eating disorder is not just a mental disorder but poses an actual threat to the patient’s life. This bill aims to protect Israeli teenagers’ health through content limitations in the modeling and advertising industries.”