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MPs attack MTV programme over 'stick thin' models

03/09/2008

MPs have criticised MTV show ModelMaker for "positively promoting" size-zero fashion models.

An early-day motion has been moved by Liberal Democrat junior culture spokesman Richard Younger-Ross calling on MTV in the UK to not import the American show, or to "clearly re-edit" it to encourage healthy eating.

The show has already caused outrage in the US, where its premise of challenging women between the ages of 17 and 24 to lose between 30 and 80 lbs in the hope of becoming a model provoked an outcry from public health and women's groups.

Mr Younger-Ross said: "I am appalled to see that the zero size model is once again being positively promoted.

"The message that you have to lose weight to look beautiful and become successful must be nipped in the bud."

Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb added: "Over one million people in this country suffer from eating disorders.

"With this in mind, it seems highly irresponsible for TV stations to be encouraging dangerous behaviour and promoting unhealthy lifestyles."

An MTV spokesman said the show was still in the earliest prstages of pre-production and added that MTV UK was under no obligation to screen MTV US shows.