UK actresses attack trend for ultra-skinny stars

LONDON, Dec 12 (Reuters) Two well-known British actresses have weighed into the debate over ultra-thin models and celebrities, criticising what they say is a trend that could have a damaging impact on young girls.

Oscar-nominated Kate Winslet said she refused to have magazines in her house because she was worried about her six-year-old daughter Mia reading them.

''It's only a matter of time before she becomes aware of it and it frightens the life out of me,'' she told the BBC at the weekend.

''What I resent is that there is an image of perfection that is getting thinner and thinner.'' Billie Piper, who starred in the hit British television series Doctor Who, said her 13-year-old sister was already worried about her figure.

''I think the whole size zero debate is disgusting,'' she said in the upcoming edition of Glamour magazine, referring to the clothes size for the very thin.

''She loves Posh (former pop star Victoria Beckham) and I say, 'Come on Ellie, she's tiny. What's wrong with (Colombian singer) Shakira? She's sexy, curvy'. But she has no interest.'' Pressure is growing on the fashion world to promote a healthier look.

Spain barred models below a certain weight from a September fashion show in Madrid and the Italian government and its fashion chiefs are working on a manifesto to crack down on the use of ultra-thin teenagers on the catwalk.

Britain's culture minister called for ''stick-thin'' models to be banned from the catwalk during London Fashion Week and the Indian health minister has warned that the number of young girls ''starving'' themselves to be thin is ''rocketing''.

The fashion world is divided over the issue, with many designers and models shrugging off concerns that ultra-thin models may encourage eating disorders in girls and young women.

REUTERS SSC BST0855