In this episode of "Let's Talk," our new host, Yvie Jones, speaks with Dr. Preeya Alexander about the vital role of General Practitioners (GPs) in supporting patients with body image issues and eating disorders. Dr Preeya shares her unique insights into how GPs can build trust with their patients, collaborate with specialists, and navigate the challenges of treating eating disorders with sensitivity and care.

We learn how social media misinformation fueled Dr Preeya’s passion for addressing body image issues and eating disorders and explore the impact of unconscious bias in patient care, plus how GPs can recognise early warning signs by understanding key risk factors and symptoms. Dr Preeya also offers practical advice for GPs on approaching patients who may have eating disorders by using compassionate and culturally sensitive language to build trust. The goal is commitment to their recovery.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE)
• Free, confidential support from specialist counsellors.
• Chat online
• Support Script: Download your personalised support script to take to your GP here.
• Butterfly Referral Database: Find professionals screened for their understanding of eating disorders here.

Follow Dr. Preeya Alexander:

Instagram: @doctor.preeya.alexander

Follow Yvie Jones:

Instagram: @Yvie_Jones

Production Team:

• Produced by Yvie Jones and Annette Staglieno from Classic Me Productions
• Executive Producer: Camilla Becket
• Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation

For more information about this episode, visit butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode.

Next Steps:

If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Remember, it's okay to seek a second opinion if you feel misunderstood. Recovery is possible with the right support.

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In today's digital age, young people are constantly bombarded with images and messages on social media that can deeply impact their wellbeing, including their body image.

Navigating this landscape can be challenging, both for young people and the parents, carers, and educators who support them. How can we guide young people through the ever-evolving digital world? In this episode, three experts share their invaluable insights:

Hannah Jarman, Research Fellow in the School of Psychology at Deakin University, explores the complex and far-reaching influences of social media on body image and eating disorders, shedding light on how these platforms can shape young minds.

Cara Webber, from Education, Prevention and Inclusion at the eSafety Commissioner, discusses strategies for creating safer online experiences for young people and protecting them from online harms.

Zoe Bradbury, Communications Specialist at Butterfly, shares her firsthand experiences with the harms of social media, having faced her own challenges with an eating disorder. Today, she works to improve online spaces by challenging myths and stereotypes and promoting kinder, more inclusive attitudes around bodies.

Tune in as we discuss actionable techniques and skills that will empower anyone who supports young people online, and introduce BodyKind Online Education, a new, engaging eLearning program for Australian secondary schools developed by Butterfly in collaboration with other key experts. Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, this episode is both a guide to BodyKind Online Education, as well as a tip-sheet to help you support the body image of the young people you love so they can have a more positive and safer experience online.

Find out more about body kind online education

This project was funded by the eSafety Commissioner’s Online Safety Grants Program.

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The myth that eating disorders only affect women means there are still too many men who aren’t getting help.

While it’s great to see more women accepting and celebrating their bodies for the way they were born to be, body image issues and eating disorders are mental health issues that do not discriminate. The difference is that they often look different in men, who are more likely to over exercise, abuse muscle building substances and engage in unsustainable diets. In pursuit of a big, tall, muscular and lean ideal, destructive behaviours can easily lead to both physical problems and psycho-social distress.

Our guest, Alex Rodriguez, went through his own battle with eating and exercise, became an accredited dietitian, and now supports other men in recovery.

“Our worth as men, or as human beings, is not determined by what we look like, nor how we eat, nor how good we are at “insert name’ exercise,” he says. "Much of my work includes normalising and destigmatising mental health experiences. I just want the world to be a safer, less judgemental, more accepting place."

Listen to Alex on body ideals in relation to men, their experience of eating disorders, and how a sympathetic health professional can support a more genuine and sustainable health.

Find out more about Alex Rodriguez

Find a Health Professional

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