Social Aspects

The growing disparity between exaggerated ‘slimness’ ideals and actual body weights is becoming increasingly evident in society. This issue is particularly pronounced among children and adolescents, with alarming trends showing younger children dieting and perceiving themselves as overweight. Studies reveal a significant decline in the overall body image of young people in recent decades. There is a strong correlation between media consumption and body image in young women, with underweight models in magazines, TV series, and casting shows like Germany’s Next Top Model becoming role models for today's youth. This has given eating disorder prevention a political dimension. For example, countries such as Spain and France have implemented laws prohibiting underweight models from participating in fashion shows. The Swiss Society for Eating Disorders (SSED) is actively working to challenge these exaggerated slimming ideals at a societal level.

Secondary Prevention

Secondary prevention focuses on the early detection and timely intervention of emerging eating disorders. It is crucial for parents, family members, teachers, and healthcare professionals to be aware of the risks associated with eating disorders and to encourage affected individuals to seek help promptly. Early recognition and treatment significantly improve the chances of recovery. Relatives should avoid prolonged inaction and instead strongly advocate for professional support. The SSED expert network is dedicated to providing accessible and early-stage assistance to individuals with eating disorders. Awareness programs aimed at identifying the warning signs of eating disorders can equip professionals in schools, workplaces, and healthcare settings to identify at-risk individuals early and connect them with appropriate treatment providers.