New report from MPs shows over half of the public suffer from negative body image

The report published today by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Body Image reveals that over half the UK public suffer from negative body image, and it is seen as an underlying cause of health and relationship problems, a key contributor to low self-esteem and a major barrier to participation in school and progression at work.

The problem is so acute that girls as young as five now worry about their size and appearance, half of girls and one quarter of boys believe their peers have body image problems, and appearance is the largest cause of bullying in schools.

The report was co-authored by a cross party group of MPs and health and education charity, Central YMCA.  The response to the three-month public inquiry co-ordinated by the APPG was that media (43.5%), advertising (16.8%) and celebrity culture (12.5%) together account for almost three quarters of the influence on body image in society, yet the “body ideal” that they typically present was estimated to not be physically achievable by nearly 95% of the population.  Central YMCA will now take forward the report’s recommendations in a national campaign, to be launched in the autumn in partnership with several other organisations.   The campaign will include the creation of a brand, or “kite mark”, which will be awarded to socially responsible businesses taking action to tackle negative body image.

Jo Swinson MP, Chair of the APPG said: “Body image dissatisfaction in the UK has reached an all time high and the pressure to conform to an unattainable body ideal is wreaking havoc on the self-esteem of many people. Our inquiry took evidence from academics, the public, industry, charities and other experts, whose submissions formed the basis for the recommendations in the report. I welcome the work of Central YMCA and other organisations in taking these recommendations forward.”

Rosi Prescott, CEO Central YMCA, said: “It’s clear that there’s something seriously wrong in society when children as a young as five are worrying about their appearance, based on the messages they are seeing all around them.  The findings of the report are shocking; body image has become more important in our culture than health, and children are mimicking their parents’ concerns about appearance.  We all have a responsibility to act now to bring about the attitudinal and behavioural change that’s necessary to prevent damage to future generations and that is why we are urging the public to give us their views to help shape the campaign we will be launching this autumn.”

Feelings of dissatisfaction and inadequacy, often driven by weight stigmatisation and the desire to achieve the unattainable “body ideal” are causing many people to sacrifice health for appearance. The inquiry heard that:

• Getting rid of dieting could wipe out 70% of eating disorders
• More than 95% of dieters regain the weight they lost
• By the age of 14 half of girls and one third of boys have been on a diet to change their body shape
• 1.6m people in the UK suffer from eating disorders, which have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness
• Upto 1 in 5 cosmetic surgery patients could suffer from Body Dysmorphic Disorder
• Girls who diet are 12 times more likely to binge eat
• One in three men would sacrifice a year of life to achieve their ideal body
• One in five people have been victimised because of their weight

The report makes a series of recommendations targeted at policy-makers, healthcare professionals, industry and the education sector, designed to change public perceptions, attitudes and behavioural patterns.  These include:

• Teaching colleges to include body image and self-esteem within training for new teachers
• Support for new mothers and for primary and secondary school pupils
• Commitment from advertisers to develop campaigns that reflect consumer desire for authenticity and diversity
• A review of broadcast and editorial codes on reporting body-related issues
• Explore alternatives to the use of BMI alone as a measurement of health
• A review of the evidence base to support the long term efficacy and safety of diets
• Reframe public health messages to weight-neutral language
• A separate code of regulations governing cosmetic surgery advertising
• Mandatory screening of patients prior to them undergoing cosmetic surgery and further research to assess the long-term impact on patients’ psychological wellbeing
• Creation of an independent patient group which would provide impartial information, advice and support  on body enhancements, including cosmetic surgery, skin whitening, supplements and steroids
• A review into whether the Equalities Act should be amended to include appearance-related discrimination

In advance of the launch of the campaign in the autumn, the public are now being invited to submit their views on the report and participate in an online survey to shape the campaign at www.bodyimage.org.uk

Redditch’s MP Karen Lumley is giving three students an insight into the workings of parliament as part of a programme that builds lasting relationships between people of different faiths and beliefs.   Karen is one of 15 mentors on the Undergraduate ParliaMentors programme, which is run by 3FF.  The mentors provide the students with unique access to political functions, parliamentary committees and constituency offices.

Karen has met the students, Carolin, Sara and Soleha who are studying at London universities, in both Westminster and Redditch.  Carolin described how visiting the constituency gave them “insights into a variety of real-life issues of local business owners in Redditch”.  She explained that through these experiences the group has learned “how diverse and interesting” Ms Lumley’s work is “in terms of the issues and the people she is encountering.”

The group were also able to attend Deputy Prime Minister Question Time and a parliamentary screening of a documentary about young people in Srebrenica.

The Undergraduate ParliaMentors scheme has been awarded the UN Award for Intercultural Innovation, an award that recognises innovative grassroots projects encouraging intercultural understanding and cooperation.

As well as gaining a greater understanding of politics, the students on the programme are also given support from leading NGOs and think tanks, as they work together on social action projects.  This encourages them to take on leadership roles in community empowerment projects, to improve a part of society.

Mark Greer, Mentoring Programme Manager at 3FF, expressed his gratitude towards the MPs involved in the programme.  He said, “It’s brilliant for this diverse group of students to have access to these experiences, which will support them in their development and help them on their paths to political or community leadership.”

Karen Lumley MP took time out to meet with Anthony Marsh, Chief Executive of the West Midlands Ambulance Service to hear more about the positive changes coming to Redditch with the Make Ready Ambulance System.

Redditch currently has only one ambulance base in the area located in a 1960’s built facility tucked away in Batchley. Staff members are currently responsible for the area from this post alone and as the situation currently stands they are required, in addition to their obvious medical duties, to take time out during their shift to ensure their vehicles are fully stocked, cleaned and fuelled.

This fantastic new proposal, which has already been in successful operation for many years in Staffordshire and is being introduced further in other parts of the West Midlands, will mean that Redditch will benefit from 3 sites where Ambulances will be based; these are likely to be located in Church Hill, Lodge Park/Greenlands and the Redditch Fire Station, undoubtedly giving a better, quicker and more effective service to local residents. This scheme will allow crew members to collect their shift ambulance from the Worcestershire Hub fully loaded and ready for action ensuring the best possible use of their time; any peaks in activity during a shift which may result in fuel and medical supply levels being reduced will not cause concerns or problems as a fully stocked ambulance can be sent in replacement to any given location at any time.

Karen Lumley MP said – “It was great to meet with Anthony to hear the facts surrounding the improvements to the Ambulance Service in Redditch which will be of huge benefit to local people. The Redditch Ambulance Service do an excellent job within the constituency and I will do all I can to support the progress, development and advancements to ensure this excellence is maintained in the future. I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank the award-winning Redditch Ambulance staff that continually provide a great response to Redditch people.”

Mr Marsh added – “It was good to meet with Karen to explain how I am committed to best serving the needs of the local Community in Redditch by taking forward these improvements that have existed in other parts of the Service for many years. We are confident the improvements will build upon the excellent services already provided by our staff in Worcestershire.’’

Karen is pictured with Anthony March, Chief Executive of the West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Redditch MP Karen Lumley made time to enjoy a brew at the Redditch-based Cavell Nurses’ Trust coffee morning to celebrate International Nurses Day.

International Nurses Day, organised by the International Council of Nurses, is celebrated around the world every May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.

The event attracted plenty of local interest meaning the organisation, which is the UK’s leading charity for nurses, raised over £100 from the morning along with raising awareness of the vital work carried out by nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants across the world.

Mrs Lumley said: “I was delighted to attend this charity coffee morning and meet with the team to discuss the fine work they do throughout the year.  Cavell Nurses Trust is a Redditch based charity that operates on a national level and does excellent work helping hundreds of nurses who face extreme difficulties in various situations across the board. The services they provide can make a huge positive difference to their lives.”

Simon Knighton, Chairman of Cavell Nurses’ Trust, said: “Nurses are the unsung heroes of healthcare – undervalued, yet still show dedication, commitment, care and compassion to their patients. Their efforts should be recognised and Cavell Nurses’ Trust exists to support UK nurses throughout their career and their lives, when faced with financial difficulties.”

If you would like to know more or make a donation please visit www.justgiving.com/cavellnursestrust.

Karen is pictured with Simon Knighton, Chairman of Cavell Nurses’ Trust and Kate Tompkins, Acting Chief Executive.

Local MP Karen Lumley has teamed up with TV presenter and former carer Fiona Phillips to support this year’s Carers Week (18-24 June) and recognise the contribution made by those people in the Redditch area and throughout the UK who provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled. The work they carry out is vital for their families and friends, and for their communities.

The theme for Carers Week 2012 is ‘In sickness and in health” recognising the strain families are under as they see their services cut back. It calls for better financial and practical support for the diverse range of people who have caring responsibilities.

Research carried out in 2012 found that carers are at breaking point:
•    47 per cent of unpaid  carers said they were made ill by money worries
•    45 per cent of unpaid carers said that caring had pushed them into debt

Karen Lumley and Fiona have joined together to pay tribute to carers, and to urge that they receive more support in their caring roles.

Karen said: “Thousands of people in the constituency sacrifice not only their time, but also their money and their health in order to care for a loved one. Together they save this country an incredible £119 billion every year. It’s vital that carers are offered regular breaks from caring and health checks so that they can be supported. I am taking part in Carers Week to show my respect and appreciation for our carers. I also want to let them know that there are services out there to help them. Caring can be so incredibly demanding. It’s important that carers know that they don’t have to struggle on alone.”

Fiona Phillips has personal experience of being a carer. She says: “From personal experience, I know caring can demand a lot of your time and attention, which in some cases can put pressure on other areas in your life such as financial responsibilities and relationships. These problems can prove to be exhausting and mentally gruelling and can really take its toll on your health and wellbeing.  I hope that Carers Week can again help to achieve change, and make a real difference to the lives of carers in this country.”

Helen Clarke, the Carers Week Manager says. “I’m delighted that MPs are listening to carers’ concerns and supporting this year’s Carers Week. We must take action to support the UK’s 6.4 million carers. Many are paying the price of a care system in crisis – being forced to give up work to care and often pushed into ill-health, financial hardship and debt because of a lack of support to help them care.”

Carers Week is organised by a partnership of 8 national charities: Age UK, Carers Trust, Carers UK, Independent Age, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, MS Society, and Parkinson’s UK. For more information about local events and activities visit www.carersweek.org.