Call to fix code of conduct

THE Butterfly Foundation is calling for a national parliamentary inquiry into body image as pleas for help to the eating disorders support body have exploded by 275 per cent in the last five years, with cases becoming more complex and concerning.

The voluntary Industry Code of Conduct on Body Image was established more than 12 years ago and the foundation says it is outdated and does not take into consideration the rapid evolution and adoption of social media.

The inquiry call is part of the Butterfly Foundation’s new campaign – The Next 20 – announced on Wednesday to tackle the changing face of body image and the eating disorder crisis.

More than a million Australians live with an eating disorder, with many more suffering body image issues and the problems start as early as five years old.

“Anecdotally speaking, the way we talk about eating disorders is about 10 years behind how we now speak about anxiety and depression,” Butterfly Foundation chief executive Kevin Barrow said.

“Eating disorders are still misunderstood and grossly under-estimated, with stigma and stereotypes acting as a major barrier to help-seeking.”