Health Check
As part of the Fashion Industry’s Ethical Charter, Somenta conducts health checks for all models over the age of 16 who are represented by participating Danish model agencies. International models must provide a Medical Certificate in connection with Fashion Week, not undergo a health check. A health check that does not raise any concerns will be valid for two years, after which a new check must be conducted. Once a model is over 22 years old, only one health check is required. If it is assessed that no further follow-up is needed, the health check will remain valid for the rest of the model’s career.
The Fashion Industry’s Ethical Charter was established in 2007. Its purpose is to ensure better well-being for employees in the Danish fashion industry, including Danish models. This includes a focus on the beauty and body ideals that the fashion industry contributes to creating.
Research shows that models, like other professional groups who work with body and appearance, have a slightly higher risk than the general population of developing an unhealthy relationship with their body and food, which in some cases can develop into an eating disorder.
Read more about the Fashion Industry’s Ethical Charter.
What is a health check?
The health check is a conversation lasting about one and a half hours with a professional from Foreningen Spiseforstyrrelser og Selvskade. The purpose is to offer the model a space to reflect on thoughts about body, food, and health. Together with the model, we explore whether these thoughts occupy their mind in a way that is not pleasant. The health check can also be an opportunity to discuss how to approach modeling work in a healthy manner, with respect for one’s own values and boundaries.
The health check is tailored and developed based on the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE), which is an internationally recognized screening tool for assessing symptoms of an eating disorder.
How do I book a health check?
You can book a health check appointment directly on this page at the bottom. Here, you fill out a series of details, and then you find available times in our online booking system. You will be able to see available times up to 3 months in advance. When booking, you will also read and approve a consent form.
At certain times, especially in the lead-up to Fashion Week, we are very busy with health checks. If you are unable to find any available appointments in the booking system, you are welcome to send an email to sundhedstjek@spiseforstyrrelse.dk. We will then do our best to open up additional appointment slots, if possible.
The health check can be booked in Copenhagen (Krumtappen 2, plan 6, 2500 Valby) or Aarhus (Jægergårdsgade 97, 2. sal, 8000 Aarhus C).
Do you have questions?
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at sundhedstjek@spiseforstyrrelse.dk.
Once you have filled out the form, you will be placed on our waiting list. We will contact you by phone and schedule an appointment together. Please note that in the months leading up to fashion weeks, there may be long waiting lists.