Body dysmorphia, disordered eating, unhealthy exercise and cosmetic procedures | Gemma Sharp, PhD

Causes

Understanding the causes and triggers of eating disorders is crucial for prevention and treatment. Gemma Sharp highlights the interplay of genetics and environment, noting that early dieting behaviors and childhood anxiety are significant triggers 1. She emphasizes the role of family influence, where children mimic parental attitudes towards dieting and body image, even if nothing negative is directly said to them 1. Sharp also discusses societal pressures, such as the harmful trend of associating larger body sizes with poor health, which can lead to disordered eating 1.

   

Treatment

Treatment for eating disorders is evolving, with multidisciplinary approaches being the most effective. Gemma Sharp explains that a team including a GP, psychologist, dietitian, and psychiatrist is recommended, with cognitive behavioral therapy enhanced (CBTE) being the gold standard for adults 2. She also explores the potential of AI in treatment, noting its ability to alleviate the burden on human health professionals and improve clinical decision-making 3. Additionally, Sharp4.

   

Veganism

The relationship between veganism and eating disorders is complex and often misunderstood. Gemma Sharp notes that while vegans may display more pathological eating behaviors, this is often linked to cognitive restraint rather than body dissatisfaction 5. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the motivations behind adopting a vegan diet, as ethical reasons are less associated with eating disorders compared to health or weight loss motivations 5. Sharp also highlights that vegans tend to have higher body satisfaction than omnivores, possibly due to valuing what they consume and their lifestyle choices 6.