French fashion models will have to pass medical exams after the lower house of parliament backed a ban on excessively thin ones.

The widely debated bill was criticised for giving foreign models an advantage in the industry. But supporters say it's a necessary step in the country's wider crackdown on anorexia. 

Breaches of the new law by agencies could lead to imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of €82,000.

Lawmakers approved a separate measure making it illegal to condone anorexia in a move targeting Internet sites that encourage dangerous weight loss.