Body Mass Index contributing to eating disorders, says report

Inquiry into body image brands UK Government’s obesity strategy as ‘dangerous’

THE use of the Body Mass Index (BMI) in determining if an individual’s weight is healthy should be scrapped due to concerns it contributes to eating disorders, according to a report by MPS.

The Women and Equalities Committee warned the impact of the pandemic, both on eating disorder sufferers and those at a high risk of developing one, has been “devastating”.

Their inquiry into body image also branded the Government’s obesity strategy “dangerous” for those with negative body image, potentially triggering eating disorders in the people it is designed to help.

The report warns that BMI, used as a health risk indicator in individual patients who are then put on weight loss or weight gain programmes prompted by their score, contributes to issues such as eating disorders and poor mental health.

“We have been hugely saddened to hear of the number of people who have faced appearance and weight-based discrimination when accessing NHS services,” the report said.

“The use of BMI inspires weight stigma, contributes to eating disorders, and disrupts people’s body image and mental health.”

It recommended that health officials stop using BMI as a measure of individual health and instead focuses on a “Health at Every Size” approach.

This honours differences in factors such as age, ethnicity and gender, and prioritises healthy lifestyle choices over correcting weight, according to the report.

On the obesity strategy, the committee said that it was “at best ineffective and at worst perpetuating unhealthy behaviours” and called for the Government to commission an independent review into the evidence base for its policies.

It also urged the Government to immediately scrap plans for calorie labels on food in restaurants, cafes and takeaways, amid concerns it will contribute to growth in eating disorders and disordered eating.

MPS also called on the Government to bring forward legislation restricting or banning the use of altered images in adverts, over concerns this is contributing to poor body image.

Chair Caroline Nokes said: “Over the past 10 years, there has been a wealth of research and recommendations on how to tackle negative body image but Government action in this area is limited — we need to see urgent action.

“The pressure will intensify as gyms and beauty salons reopen on Monday,” the Conservative MP added.

“This may be exciting for some but it will be difficult for people who experience body image anxieties. It’s critical that Government action works towards improving body image.”

Tom Quinn, director of external affairs at the eating disorders charity Beat, said: “This past year has been particularly difficult for those affected by eating disorders, with Beat’s helpline alone delivering 100,000 support sessions and seeing a 302% increase in demand, and we believe further measures urgently need to be taken to protect those at risk.

“We welcome the committee’s call for an urgent review into eating disorder rates, and to ensure that there is sufficient support available for those affected.

“BMI should never be used as the sole factor in diagnosing eating disorders, or for determining who is ‘unwell enough’ to access treatment.”

‘This may be exciting for some but it will be difficult for people who experience body image anxieties’