Ever scroll through a fashion show and wonder - what BMI are most models? It’s not just about looking thin. It’s about a number, a standard, and a system that’s changing faster than you think.
You’ve seen the photos: razor-thin waists, sharp collarbones, legs that go on forever. But behind those images is a number most people never ask about: Body Mass Index. And that number? It’s not what you think.
Quick Takeaways
- Most runway models have a BMI between 15 and 17 - well below the healthy range.
- France and Israel now ban models under BMI 18 for fashion shows.
- Major agencies like IMG and Elite now require medical clearance before signing models.
- Body diversity is growing, but traditional runway standards still dominate high fashion.
- Health risks from low BMI include bone loss, heart issues, and eating disorders.
What BMI Do Most Models Actually Have?
The short answer? Most runway models have a BMI between 15 and 17. That’s not a typo. The World Health Organization considers a BMI below 18.5 as underweight. For reference, a 5’9” woman weighing 115 pounds has a BMI of 17. That’s typical for a model on the Paris or Milan runway.
Why does this matter? Because BMI isn’t just a number on a chart - it’s a gatekeeper. For decades, fashion houses demanded extreme thinness. Designers didn’t just want models to look slim - they wanted them to be walking hangers, so clothes draped just right. The result? A generation of models pushed to extremes.
Back in the 1990s, it was common for models to have BMIs under 15. Some even dipped below 14. That’s the same BMI as someone with severe anorexia. In 2006, a 20-year-old model died on the runway in Madrid. Her BMI was 13.5. That tragedy sparked global conversations. But change? It’s been slow.
Why BMI Matters in Modeling - And Why It’s Changing
It’s not just about aesthetics. BMI affects how clothing fits. A model with a BMI of 16 will wear a size 0. A model with a BMI of 19 might wear a size 4. Designers want the fabric to flow, not cling. So they pick bodies that are narrow, long, and lean.
But here’s the twist: the industry is splitting. High fashion still clings to ultra-thin standards. But commercial modeling - think Gap, H&M, or Dove - is shifting fast. Brands now hire models with BMIs between 18 and 21. Why? Because real customers aren’t size 0. And customers buy what they see themselves in.
Take the UK’s Models’ Union. In 2024, they surveyed over 1,200 models. Over 60% said they’d been pressured to lose weight in the last year. But 78% of those same models said they’d rather work with brands that accept natural body shapes.
How BMI Is Measured - And Why It’s Flawed
BMIs are calculated using height and weight: weight (kg) divided by height (m) squared. Simple, right? But here’s the problem: BMI doesn’t measure fat. It doesn’t measure muscle. It doesn’t measure bone density.
A 5’8” female model weighing 110 pounds? Her BMI is 16.5. But if she’s a dancer or athlete with low body fat and strong muscles? Her health might be fine. Meanwhile, a 5’8” woman weighing 150 pounds with a BMI of 22.7 might be told she’s “too heavy” for modeling - even if she’s in great shape.
That’s why experts like the American College of Sports Medicine say BMI alone is a poor tool for judging health - especially for athletes and performers. But in fashion? It’s still the gatekeeper.
Regulations Around the World
Some countries are stepping in.
France passed a law in 2017 requiring models to provide a medical certificate proving their BMI is at least 18. Shows that ignore this can be fined. In 2023, Paris Fashion Week saw a 30% increase in models with BMIs above 18.
Israel went even further. In 2012, they banned advertising featuring models with BMIs under 18.5. Violations can lead to fines of up to $100,000. The law was inspired by the death of a model in 2007 - and it worked. A 2024 study showed Israeli fashion campaigns now feature 45% more diverse body types.
Spain and Italy have introduced voluntary guidelines. Agencies like IMG, Ford, and Women Management now require models to submit recent medical records before signing. Some even hire nutritionists to monitor models’ health.
But in the U.S.? No federal rules. New York and California have introduced bills - but none have passed. So the industry still self-regulates. And that means it’s up to brands.
What’s Happening in Dubai?
Dubai’s fashion scene is growing fast. Local designers like Reem Al Hashimi and Zeynab Jaber are leading the charge. In 2025, Dubai Fashion Week featured 42% more models with BMIs above 19 than in 2020. The city’s cultural values - respect for health, family, and modesty - are shaping this shift.
Local agencies now work with nutritionists and doctors. Some even require monthly check-ins. It’s not about being thin - it’s about being strong. One model told us: “I used to get told I was too big. Now I’m told I’m a role model. That’s a win.”
Health Risks of Extremely Low BMI
Let’s be clear: a BMI under 16 isn’t just “skinny.” It’s dangerous.
- Bone density loss: Low body fat means less estrogen. That leads to osteoporosis - even in teens.
- Heart problems: Studies show models with BMIs under 15 have a 3x higher risk of arrhythmia.
- Eating disorders: A 2023 study in the Journal of Eating Disorders found 27% of runway models had a history of anorexia or bulimia.
- Fertility issues: Low BMI can shut down menstrual cycles. That’s not “a side effect” - it’s a medical red flag.
And the damage doesn’t end when the modeling career does. Many former models struggle with long-term health issues - even after they’ve gained weight.
Body Diversity Is Here - But It’s Not Everywhere
Thankfully, change is happening.
Brands like Savage X Fenty, Aerie, and Fenty Beauty built empires on real bodies. TikTok has given rise to a new generation of models - curvy, muscular, tall, short, disabled - who don’t fit the old mold. And brands are listening.
Runway shows in 2025 featured 18 models with BMIs above 20 - up from just 3 in 2018. But the top-tier houses - Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga - still mostly use models with BMIs under 17. Why? Because tradition. Because aesthetics. Because old habits die hard.
The truth? You don’t need a BMI of 15 to walk a runway. You need confidence. Presence. A story.
What Should Aspiring Models Do?
If you’re thinking about modeling - here’s the real advice:
- Know your numbers. Get your BMI checked - not by a scout, but by a doctor.
- Don’t starve to fit in. No brand is worth your health.
- Look for agencies that require medical clearance. They’re the ones who care.
- Build your portfolio with diverse brands. Commercial, editorial, swimwear, beauty - they all need different looks.
- Find mentors. Talk to models who’ve been in the industry for 10+ years. They’ve seen the dark side - and the light.
There’s a myth out there: “If you’re not thin, you’re not a model.” That’s false. There are models for every body. The question isn’t whether you fit the old standard. It’s whether you’re ready to help rewrite it.
Comparison: Traditional Runway Model vs. Modern Commercial Model
| Factor | Traditional Runway Model | Modern Commercial Model |
|---|---|---|
| Typical BMI | 15-17 | 18-22 |
| Height Range | 5’9”-6’0” | 5’5”-5’11” |
| Body Type | Extremely lean, narrow hips | Curvy, athletic, hourglass |
| Typical Clients | Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton | H&M, Nike, Dove, Aerie |
| Health Requirements | Often none | Medical clearance common |
| Market Share (2025) | 32% | 68% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a BMI of 16 healthy for a model?
No. A BMI of 16 is classified as underweight by the WHO. For adult women, the healthy range is 18.5-24.9. While some agencies still hire models at this level, it’s medically risky. Bone density, heart function, and hormone levels can all be negatively affected. Many health professionals now consider a BMI under 17 unsafe for anyone - not just models.
Can you be a model if your BMI is over 20?
Absolutely. The idea that models must be extremely thin is outdated. Brands like Savage X Fenty, Universal Standard, and Nike regularly hire models with BMIs between 20 and 24. These models often have athletic builds - strong, toned, and curvy. The fashion industry is splitting: high fashion still leans thin, but commercial and inclusive brands are thriving with diverse bodies.
Do models have to be tall?
Not anymore. While traditional runway models are usually 5’9” or taller, commercial modeling has no height limit. Many successful models are 5’5” to 5’7”. Brands now prioritize personality, expression, and authenticity over height. You’ll see shorter models in ads for skincare, sportswear, and everyday clothing - and they’re making millions.
Why do designers prefer thin models?
It’s about the clothes. Designers create garments on mannequins with very narrow proportions. A thin body lets fabric hang without wrinkles or bunching. It’s not about beauty - it’s about function. But this doesn’t mean real people need to look like that. That’s why many designers now use digital models or diverse body types for advertising - because their customers aren’t size 0.
Are there any models with BMI above 22?
Yes - and they’re becoming more common. Models like Ashley Graham, Paloma Elsesser, and Tess Holliday have BMIs above 22 and are booked for major campaigns. In 2025, 12% of all global fashion campaigns featured models with BMIs above 22 - up from 2% in 2018. These models aren’t outliers anymore. They’re the new standard for brands that care about real customers.
Final Thought
The question isn’t “What BMI are most models?” It’s “What kind of beauty do we want to celebrate?” The answer is shifting. More brands are choosing health over hype. More models are walking away from agencies that demand starvation. And more people - real people - are saying: “I don’t need to be a size 0 to be seen.”
The runway isn’t the only place where style lives. And your worth? It’s not measured in numbers.
