Weight stigma and eating disorders in people with higher weight

The lifetime prevalence of eating disorders (ED) is approximately 1.5 times higher for people with higher weight than for people with "normal" or low weight. Yet, people with higher weight are 85% less likely than people with "normal"/low weight to access any form of ED care. Indeed, people with higher weight experience longer delays to diagnosis and treatment and are more likely to present for weight management than for ED treatment.

This research investigates the role that weight biases (from healthcare professionals, clients and others) play in identification and treatment of EDs in people with higher weight across the lifespan.

Method/Approach

This program of research uses a variety of approaches including:

• systematic reviews of the literature,
• qualitative research studies (interview based), and
• quantitative studies (survey based).

Team and collaborators

Collaborators

• Prof. Leah Brennan (La Trobe University)
• Hugh Bidstrup (La Trobe University)

Current students

• Megan Carney (PhD student)
• Charity Lane (Honours student)

Contact

A/Prof. Xochitl de la Piedad Garcia

Email: xochitl.delapiedadgarcia@acu.edu.au