Skinny models to be banned Down Under

Melbourne, June 27 (ANI): Australia is set to ban skinny models from catwalks and magazines.

Under a major overhaul of the fashion industry, diets for rapid weight loss and cosmetic surgery advertisements will also be phased out of magazines.

Clothing labels will be asked to stock a wide range of sizes under a new industry code of conduct.

Fashion designers will be asked not to hire either models with a dangerously low body mass index (BMI) or excessively muscular men.

Youth Minister Kate Ellis said she was determined to stop the glamorisation of unhealthily thin women, which has been blamed for children suffering eating disorders.

"Body image is an issue that we must take seriously because it is affecting the health and happiness of substantial sections of our community," News.com.au quoted Ellis as saying. (ANI)