For professionals

Through communication platforms such as the media and social media, we are faced with manipulated, filtered and digitally enhanced images.

Eating disorders are often misunderstood and underestimated in the community, resulting in inaccurate reporting, stereotyping, and the use of language with a potentially harmful impact.

Effective communication about eating disorders is key to bringing about improvements in awareness, prevention, early identification and initial response through its influence on social norms, beliefs, behaviours, and relationships.

Care must be taken in promoting information about eating disorders in order to ensure positive outcomes, rather than accidental harm.