Body Image & Eating Disorders Research Program

Our program of research investigates body image concerns and body image-related disorders, including eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder. Our mission is to understand the causes of the body image-related disorders and associated issues and develop novel treatments using a multidisciplinary approach.

Background

Body image concerns are very common. More than 40% of people in Australia are dissatisfied with their body appearance. Negative body image can lead to poor psychological well-being as well as risky behaviours such as extreme dietary and weight control behaviours, excessive exercise and the pursuit of cosmetic procedures and surgery.

Poor body image is also a risk factor for the development of some eating disorders which impact over 1.1 million people in Australia of all ages, genders and backgrounds. Unfortunately, less than 1 in 3 people ever receive support.

Current work

Our work focuses on understanding the causes and factors that influence the development of body image concerns and body image-related disorders such as eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder. These range from biological factors (e.g., genetic profiles, influence of hormones) through to psychological factors (e.g., personality traits, self-identity) and social factors (e.g., social media environment and social identity, experience with healthcare systems). We use a range of biological, psychological, social and technological methodologies for these investigations.

Our team is also particularly well known for our pioneering research into body image concerns and the relationship with cosmetic procedure/surgery requests, particularly the often overlooked topic of genital body image/cosmetic genital surgery.

Through our understanding of the factors that influence the development of body image concerns and body image-related disorders, we are focusing on developing novel treatments and programs, particularly delivered online. We use a range of digital platforms such as mobile apps, conversational artificial intelligence (AI) agents/chatbots and robots. Ultimately, we aim to deliver highly accessible and personalised treatments when people need them most.

We also co-create online mental health educational resources for people experiencing body image concerns, body dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders across the lifespan, their loved ones as well as for health professionals.

Professor Gemma Sharp established and leads a world-first international Consortium for Research in Eating Disorders (CoRe-ED), of which The University of Queensland is a partner. CoRe-ED has brought together key voices involved in eating disorders and related research internationally - researchers, clinicians, people with lived experience, advocates, not-for-profit and industry representatives. By uniting our global efforts, we increase our chances of unlocking breakthroughs and developing cures. Users can join CoRe-ED free of charge.