Report: Thin models must pass health exams

LONDON, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- A new health report mandates rail-thin models be forced to pass medical exams before they take to the runways at London Fashion Week.

Results of the Model Health Inquiry were published a day before the series of fashion shows was set to begin. The report exposes the massive pressures put on models to be an unhealthy weight, and makes 14 recommendations for the fashion industry -- including the need for compulsory medical certificates -- The (London) Daily Mail said Friday.

The chairman of the inquiry, Baroness Kingsmill, said models suffering from eating disorders should not be banned from the catwalk as long as they are receiving treatment.

"This is about making sure people with eating disorders are identified and get the right treatment," she said.

Other measures suggested include a ban on girls modeling before age 16, random drug testing and major research into the extent of eating disorders.

The report -- “Fashioning a Healthy Future” -- called for an end to digital editing of photographs that promote an "unachievable" image.