Media release

From: Swinburne University of Technology

Initial data from the National Body Image Survey has revealed that 49 per cent of respondents feel that social media makes them feel worse about their body. It has also revealed other concerning statistics that will be used to improve clinical services and care in treating body and eating disorders:

• 13 per cent of respondents who have attempted suicide state that it was primarily due to body image distress

• 20 per cent of respondents have had plastic surgery to improve their looks

Swinburne cognitive neuropsychologist Professor Susan Rossell is leading the National Body image Survey and says approximately 70-75 per cent of people with a diagnosed eating or body image disorder don’t seek professional help/mental health support. “We urgently need change to address factors such as stigma, shame, denial, failure to perceive the severity of the illness, cost of treatment, low motivation to change, lack of encouragement and lack of knowledge about how to access help.”
To participate in the survey click this link: https://tinyurl.com/4esvt6cv