The new Wonderbra model has defended push-up bras against claims that they damage women's health.

Slovakian Adriana Sklenarikova, a former trainee doctor, has rubbished a British osteopath's claims that push-up bras restrict breathing and can worsen irritable bowel syndrome.

Posing outside London's Hilton hotel on Wednesday, the six-foot tall supermodel said the Wonderbra, made by Playtex, was elastic and did not restrict breathing.

"The Wonderbra is very comfortable and very safe," she stated.

Saying underwire bras damaged your health was equivalent to saying wearing trousers was bad for you, she said. Ms Sklenarikova's chest replaces that of Czech model Eva Herzigova, famed for the 'Hello boys" advert. She beat 1,000 other models to the job.

A new Wonderbra campaign is to be launched in October.

Restriction

Last week, osteopath Charlotte Wightman published a study of 30 students at the British School of Osteopathy in London which showed that regular use of push-up bras could cause bowel and breathing problems.

The study stated that the bras, which have become an essential fashion item, can restrict women's rib cages by up to 4cm and push down on the diaphragm.

However, underwire bra manufacturers say that without the support provided by their products some women could develop back problems.