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Diet firms quizzed by MPs on tackling girls' body anxiety
Sophie Goodchild, Health and Social Affairs Correspondent18 Nov 2011
MPs are to quiz diet firms and cosmetic surgeons over the rise in eating disorders and poor body image among young people.
Boots, Weightwatchers and Transform Cosmetic Surgery are among those who have agreed to give
evidence.
The inquiry has been launched by the all-party parliamentary group on body image. The aim is not to "name and shame" but to find solutions to end the growing culture of "body bigotry".'
The number of children admitted to hospital for anorexia and bulimia has doubled. Research by health education charities has also shown that one in eight girls would take laxatives to lose weight.
Jo Swinson, chairwoman of the committee, said: "We know there's a problem, with young people feeling under enormous pressure about the way they look. We need to take a step back and find out who or what is responsible, and what positive and practical steps can be taken to promote better body confidence for all."
The inquiry will investigate the marketing of slimming pills and diet programmes as well as safeguards surrounding plastic surgery. Experts from the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons have also been asked to attend along with celebrities and fitness experts.
The advertising watchdog this week banned shots of a model on the grounds she appeared "anorexic".
The ASA upheld complaints over the appearance of Amanda Hendrick in a campaign for Drop Dead Clothing.
Women's magazines have also been criticised for retouching pictures of celebrities. Grazia magazine came under fire this year for allegedly "slimming down" the waist of Kate Middleton. The publication denies any retouching.
Central YMCA, the national health and education charity, has also been involved in the launch of the inquiry.
Rosi Prescott, its chief executive, said: "It's clear from the sheer body of research available that society's increasing obsession with body image is having a detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of our young people.
"We need to explore what can be done to address this and to stop valuing people based purely in terms of their physical appearance."
The inquiry begins on November 28 and will report next summer.
Reader views (1)
They might want to try quizzing the teen targteted magazines and the multi-billion pounds, cash, weightloss industry first.
- Rogan, Irving, 17/11/2011 18:43
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