Eating Disorders

A comment made by Baroness Joan Bakewell on the topic of Anorexia has certainly caused controversy. In an interview with the Sunday Times, she said she was alarmed by eating disorders.

"No one has anorexia in societies where there is not enough food," she said.

It was "a sign of the overindulgence of our society, over-introspection, narcissism really," she added.

This comment led to outcry and many mental health and eating disorder charities criticised her comments, she responded via twitter to apologise that her views had caused distress.

Baroness Bakewell 

Contrary to what Baroness Joan Bakewell believes, anorexia is not narcissistic. Anorexia can be caused due to several reasons including dealing with trauma, bullying or abuse and in some cases it may result in not wanting to look 'appealing' in any way.

Hopefully David Cameron’s decision to reduce the waiting times to treat eating disorders can urge him to raise more awareness for eating disorders, so that not only the public but political figures can be more educated on mental health.

Eating disorder week runs from 22-28 February 2016.

References:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35797158

https://www.b-eat.co.uk/support-us/eating-disorder-awareness-week