Eating disorders in Australia: a commentary on the need to address stigma

Abstract

Abstract This commentary justifies the need for the Australian government to address stigma and shame in its effort to increase help-seeking by individuals with eating disorders from the intersectional perspective of a health consumer with a history of anorexia nervosa and a public health researcher. It does so in response to the government’s planned 2019 investment of $110 million to subsidise eating disorders treatment services. The commentary identifies stigma and shame as the leading barrier to help-seeking among individuals with eating disorders. It then uses peer-reviewed evidence and analyses of popular press articles to show how media create stigma and shame through labelling and stereotyping individuals with eating disorders in a way that incites status loss and discrimination. The commentary justifies why Australia provides an interesting test case to trial the use of media regulations to address this international problem. It is recommended that the Australian government work with individuals with eating disorders to co-design a Mandatory Code of Conduct to guide media towards a more medicalised approach to representing the diverse spectrum of real individuals who experience eating disorders. This commentary is relevant to an international audience as it provides solutions to common challenges with media representations of individuals with eating disorders found in Western and Eastern contexts.

Keywords

• Eating disorders
• Stigma
• Shame
• Media
• Health promotion
• Popular press