Various UK women's associations have asked to ban the retouching of images in the fashion media. These are said to be "harmful" to young influential girls searching for "unattainable ideals” that these images of famous people promote.

Before and After

These associations have signed a petition directed to Britain’s Prime Minister, David Cameron, to encourage the introduction of a law that requires magazines to inform their readers when photographs have been retouched.

"We believe it is time that the prime minister listens to our concerns and acts in the interest of young British women. Unfortunately, photo-shopped images exert a pressure to attain an idealistic body," Liz Burnley, representative of the initiative, explains the issues to BBC’s 'Portaltic'.

A survey among more than 1,000 British girls last year revealed that half of them between 16 and 21 had already considered cosmetic surgery, while 42% of girls 11 to 16 admitted to "controlling" their diet.

"Young people with eating disorders tell us that they feel surrounded by images of 'perfect' bodies all day long, which seriously slows down their recovery," said Susan Ringwood, from a charity association.