What is being undertaken to address the problems with body image and eating disorders?

Eating Disorders Victoria engages with key policy makers and stakeholders to help shape policies which support the cultural changes that are needed to reduce eating disorders in our community. We have representatives on advisory committees relating to eating disorder treatment services, positive body image, obesity, healthy eating in schools and others.

Key advocacy efforts in recent times have included:

• Consumer, carer and professional input into the ministerial advisory committee subcommittee on eating disorders, providing advice to Minister Lisa Neville, Minister for Mental Health and Drugs.

• Consumer representation and professional input into the community advisory committee for body image, providing advice to Minster James Merlino, Minister for Youth Affairs, Recreation and Sport.

• Submission to the Victorian Government in response to the proposed new mental health strategy "Because Mental Health Matters". Click here to download a copy of the submission.

• Devising EDV position paper and guidelines on the portrayal of body images by the media, fashion and advertising industries.

• Participation on the advisory panel for the 'Kids - Go For Your Life' health initiative.

• Participation in the Butterfly Eating Disorders Australian National Collaboration.

• Participation in the advisory committee for the Centre For Excellence in Eating Disorders (CEED).

There are many projects to address the challenges of body image issues and eating disorders.

Here is a Project to assist carers of people with an eating disorder:


Project 1: Evaluation of a web‐based multi media intervention for carers of people with anorexia nervosa.


This project examines whether an internet‐based intervention for carers (or significant others) of people with anorexia nervosa is effective and useful. The interactive web programme aims to give carers information and skills to help them help their relative, cope with care‐giving and reduce distress, which may in turn help the individual with anorexia nervosa. 

The programme includes information on how to communicate with a person with anorexia; how to support them at meal times, facilitate weight gain and re‐establish healthy eating; how to manage crises and conflict; and how to assess and manage risk.