Panel to urge model age limit

LONDON, July 9 (UPI) -- British fashion show organizers said they are preparing to bar girls under the age of 16 from walking on a runway.

The proposal follows an investigation into models' health and is aimed at protecting girls in an industry in which one observer said as many6 as 40 percent of models may have eating disorders, the Daily Mail reported Monday.

The inquiry into banning models under 16 does not extend to using the controversial ultra-thin, size zero models.

The Model Health Inquiry, commissioned by the British Fashion Council, is expected to release its interim findings this week.

Psychiatrist Adrienne Key had told the panel she estimated 20 percent to 40 percent of models had some form of eating problem.

"Girls with anorexia are most prominent but there is a much bigger group with bulimia and other unspecified disorders and the problem appears to be getting worse," she said. "They are purging or drinking huge amounts of water to conceal their weight."

Key said educating the industry about eating disorders was key.

The panel also will recommend better nutritional and health advice for models and education for their agents about eating disorders.

The BFC indicated it would implement the recommendations.