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What is it?

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People with eating disorders often struggle from body dissatisfaction (disliking all or areas of their body). At times this can lead to body dysmorphia - when an individual suffers from a distorted picture of their body, often believing their body to be larger than it is. Body dissatisfaction is often associated with low self-esteem, where an individual feels unworthy, incapable, and not good enough.

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What is the best treatment for improving body image?

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The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2017) guidelines recommend Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for the treatment of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). For general low-self esteem and body dissatisfaction the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and the Health at Every Size Approach may also prove beneficial.

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Helpful resources

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• NICE Guidelines for body dysmorphia disorder (BDD): https://www.nice.org.uk/guidanceThe /CG31/chapter/1-Guidance#steps-35-treatment-options-for-people-with-ocd-or-bdd

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•  Beat Eating Disorders - UK Eating Disorders Charity with helpful advice, support and resources: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/types/bulimia

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• More Than A Body - provides resources and a thought provoking blog about imrpoving body image: https://www.morethanabody.org/

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• The Health at Every Size Approach advocates for weight neutrality and body respect - https://haescommunity.com/

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