Reacción a "Reactions to study estimating that 22% of the world's children have disordered eating behaviours "

I would have expected that the proportion would actually be a lot higher. This study adds to the existing body of literature but I also think there are several limitations to the studies included, namely the age group for children and adolescents, was defined from 6yrs – 18yrs. A lot of studies have shown that children as young as 3 years already show body image preference, with the 'thin ideal' desire being driven from preschool age. This study also focused purely on the prevalence of eating disorders without linking to the 'whys'. In younger children, many studies have pin-pointed the use of body-shaming language from health professionals, parents, siblings, media or peers, as precursors for body image issues, and in adolescence, peer influence was particularly high with media (in particular social media) influence growing across all age groups.  

Upskilling the primary healthcare workforce to help pick up eating disorders/disordered eating practices is a good suggestion, however, beyond healthcare providers, early childhood educators, schools and parents all form an integral part of a child’s support network and are all equally influential in improving child/youth health outcomes.