Body dysmorphia, disordered eating, unhealthy exercise and cosmetic procedures | Gemma Sharp, PhD

Episode #300. How does body image fit into our picture of overall health? When does negative self-image become body dysmorphic disorder? And does veganism align with a positive relationship with food? Discover the answers to these questions and many more in this conversation with Associate Professor Gemma Sharp. You’ll learn about body dysmorphic disorder (also called body dysmorphia), who falls into this category, and who is at risk for it. We discuss the impact of social media on body image, the prevalence and treatment of eating disorders, and harmful trends in the media. You’ll also discover the facts about body image in vegans, cosmetic interventions, and how AI might be the answer to overwhelmed mental health services. Specifically, we discuss: Introduction (00:00) Exploring Interest in Body Dysmorphic Disorder with Gemma Sharp (01:35) Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Definition, Prevalence, Onset, and Causes (04:20) The Influence of Social Media on Body Image (09:01) The Role of Social Media in Seeking External Validation (12:33) Managing Social Media's Impact on Body Image: Advice for Parents (18:08) Practising Self-Compassion: The Compassionate Friend Exercise (20:03) Effectiveness of Positive Self-Talk in Body Image Improvement (23:32) Connection Between Eating Disorders and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (25:35) Navigating Eating Disorders: Orthorexia, Anorexia vs Bulimia, Impacts Across Weight Spectrums, and Screening Tools (26:32) Identifying Triggers for Developing Eating Disorders (31:02) Harmful Media Trends Leading to Eating Disorders (33:14) Medical Approaches to Treating Eating Disorders (34:41) Comparing Dietary Patterns: Vegan vs Omnivorous Diets in Eating Disorders (38:04) Evidence-Based Strategies for Treating Eating Disorders (43:36) The Role of AI in Treating Eating Disorders (49:10) Debunking Myths About Eating Disorders (53:48) Eating Disorders in Athletics: The Interplay with Exercise (55:02) Cosmetic Procedures and Body Image: Mental Health, Satisfaction, and Safety (1:02:05) Insights into Labiaplasty from a Scientific Perspective (1:10:05) Empowering Education: Understanding Female Anatomy and Overcoming Social Taboos Understanding Male Motivations for Penile Augmentation (1:23:35) Concluding Remarks (1:27:38) Learn more about Associate Professor Gemma Sharp here , and connect with her on Twitter/X . Visit The Proof website for the full show notes and supporting studies. Sponsors: If you want to improve your health, you need to measure where you’re currently at. InsideTracker analyses up to 48 blood biomarkers including ApoB, LDL, HDL, A1C, and more before giving you advice to optimise your health. Get a 20% discount on your first order at insidetracker.com/simon . Stay hydrated with LMNT - a meaningful dose of electrolytes in a science-backed ratio. Receive a free LMNT sample pack with any order when you purchase via drinklmnt.com/simon . Eimele Essential 8 is a comprehensive multivitamin that is scientifically formulated to complement your plant-rich diet, increase and sustain your energy, support the immune system, as well as heart and brain health. Head to Eimele.com and use code SIMON at checkout for 10% off your first order. Consider 38TERA's DMN-01 prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Watch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple / Spotify Connect with me on Instagram , Twitter , and Facebook Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide Download my complimentary Two-Week Meal Plan and high-protein Plant Performance recipe book