Stick thin 'size zero' models still rule Brit catwalks

London, Aug 13 : English fashion chiefs have decided against an absolute ban on skeletal "size zero" models.

In 2006, a probe was launched after two South American girls starved themselves to death.

Spain, then, barred models with a body mass index (BMI) of below 18.

But the British Fashion Council decided not to ask for health certificates proving models' fitness - one of 14 recommendations suggested in Baroness Kingsmill's Model Health Enquiry.

Instead it is advising health education programmes and providing rest areas with healthy food.

"The health certificate was rejected as they felt it was discriminating against the models," The Sun quoted BFC chairman Hilary Riva, as saying.

But under-16 models will be banned from next month's Fashion Week.

ANI