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What is it?
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.
What is the best treatment for improving body image?
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.
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/

Body dissatisfaction & Low self-esteem
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