Dr Janet Walsh, who leads a specialist child and adolescent eating disorders unit at Priory Hospital in Altrincham, said a significant proportion of young people had identified school lessons focusing on weight and healthy eating as one of the triggers to their eating disorder.
Walsh said: “Rather than food being labeled as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, it is important to focus on eating a balanced diet, eating three meals a day and participating in regular exercise.”
Eating disorders charity B-eat has also expressed concern that public campaigns to tackle the childhood obesity crisis were sending ‘conflicting and pressure-laden messages’ to young people.
Loran Garner, chief operating officer at B-eat, said: “Low self-esteem and self-worth can be an influencing factor in the development of an eating disorder.
“Eating disorders are complex and multi-causal, and the onslaught of information about diets, calorie intake and ‘good’ or ‘bad’ foods, along with exercise, can add to the insecurities a child might have about their weight and body shape.
“Healthy attitudes towards food and lifestyle should be positive, not solely negative messages. This includes healthy attitudes to variety in shape and size of bodies, particularly at a time when young people’s bodies are developing and changing rapidly. It is concerning if schools focus on the words ‘diet’ and ‘exercise’ alone in relation to obesity. Care must be taken to ensure the messages we convey to young people are consistent and responsible.”