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Eating Disorders Association Announces new name and identity
Rebrand comes as research reveals young people feel they have no one to turn to about eating disorders
The Eating Disorders Association (EDA) today announces a brand new identity and name – beat. The announcement comes at the start of Eating Disorders Awareness week.
To coincide with the launch of its new identity, beat publishes a new report today called Something’s got to change which reveals that 92% of young people who are affected by eating disorders feel there is no one they can talk to about their concerns.
beat carried out the research with young people directly affected by eating disorders. The findings reveal the isolation experienced by young people suffering from the illness and identifies a growing problem of alienation in today’s society.
Key findings from ‘Something’s got to change’ report:
- Only 1% of young people say they can talk to their parents about their concerns
- 92% of young people say there is no one they can turn to about their eating disorder
- 91% of young people feel unable to talk to people at school
- 83% say they would not be able to approach their GP or nurse about their eating disorder
Susan Ringwood, Chief Executive of beat, comments: “In today’s celebrity driven culture, where people are vilified for gaining weight then stigmatised for losing weight, eating disorders are sensationalised and misunderstood. This is having a devastating impact on young people suffering from eating disorders who feel increasingly alienated and isolated and lack confidence to ask people for advice and support
“We are changing our name to beat because we believe that there is a greater need than ever to bring about real change and take positive action to beat eating disorders in the UK. We want to focus on a message of hope – you can beat eating disorders. We believe our new identity clearly reflects our commitment and determination, and we hope to send out a loud and clear message to people that there is help available.”
Rosie Winterton, Minister of State for Health Services was also at the event and said “There is a clear need for action to be taken to ensure that young people have the confidence and determination to get advice and support about eating disorders as early as possible. I am lending my support to beat and encourage everyone from parents to GPs to young people to help beat eating disorders for good.”
For a copy of the 'Somethings got to change' report click here
About beat
beat is the UK’s only national charity supporting people affected by eating disorders, their families and professionals who treat them. beat started life as the Eating Disorders Association. beat continues to provide nationally recognised services including helplines, a self-help network and comprehensive information services.
103 Prince of Wales Rd, Norwich, NR1 1DW
Tel 0870 770 3256
e-mail info@b-eat.co.uk
Website: www.b-eat.co.uk