Whilst SYEDA acknowledges the importance of obesity as a public health issue, we are greatly concerned that the anti-obesity strategy announced recently by the government is counterproductive and potentially very damaging to significant numbers of people.
We are deeply disappointed that weight is seen as both a problem and a choice rather than a complex interaction of multiple factors. We are surprised to see that there is no link between feelings and food, with the emphasis still on ‘good’ or ‘bad’ foods and numbers or calories on packets.
Furthermore, we are dismayed that very little attention has been given to promoting positive behaviour changes and improving self-esteem, with all the focus remaining on weight, weight shaming and encouraging restricted behaviours.
Whilst SYEDA recognises that obesity is not a mental health disorder, many people with eating disorders are obese. There are many risk factors common to both obesity and eating disorders, for example body dissatisfaction, dieting and disordered eating.
The anti-obesity strategy will put those vulnerable to developing an eating disorder or those currently experiencing an eating disorder at risk and therefore has potentially fatal consequences.
SYEDA rejects your worth or access to services being determined by your weight and will support campaigns led by BEAT and other partner agencies to inform and influence the public discourse and ensure the voices of those let down and affected by the strategy and its messaging are represented.
In addition to this, any media platform promoting diets will not be supported by SYEDA and we encourage everyone to seek appropriate support with any such issues.
Finally, the concerns expressed by many people also reinforces the need for effective eating disorder support at the earliest stage, to mitigate any unintended consequences of these initiatives.
If you would like more information please refer to a report recently published by BEAT by clicking here.
