Topics mentioned: eating problems
About: Hope Virgo is an author and founder of #DumpTheScales. She reflects on the powerful march in 2024 where hundreds gathered to end the stigma and campaign for better eating disorder treatment.
This blog contains reference to eating problems. Please do not read on if you think the content may be triggering for you. If you are currently struggling with your mental health, please visit our find help page for information, advice and guidance on where to get support.
Let me be clear: length of illness does not stop someone recovering from an eating disorder. Eating disorders are treatable and it’s disgraceful that people aren’t being given treatment.
On 27 April 2024, hundreds of people took to the streets of London with their experiences and stories. All with at least one common goal – to end the injustices of those affected by eating disorders. The #DumpTheScales march was back for a second year and ahead of a General Election, it was even more important that people came together and spoke up.
When you have an eating disorder, you can spend so much of life just feeling wrong in yourself. You often feel like you are the difficult one and the odd one out. Stigma is so strong in the world of eating disorders, that when you tell someone you have one, they can often make assumptions based on how you look. Those caring for someone with an eating disorder get told, ‘can’t you just make them eat?’
This is why marching to raise awareness alongside people who just get it was so empowering. It was a powerful, key moment for me and echoed my experience at last year’s march. People cried, laughed, expressed their anger, made friends and sought support during the march, and it was just amazing to see.
The #DumpTheScales campaign is challenging the issues that people face when accessing services and treatment for an eating disorder. It’s about standing up to the stigma that individuals face daily and working towards change. Campaigner Jodie volunteered at the march and in the run up to it helped with logistics. She said:
"I supported the #DumpTheScales march because I am passionate about changing the current narratives surrounding eating disorders. I will continue to use my voice to challenge stereotypes, fight for efficient and effective early intervention and highlight the necessity of intersectionality in both eating disorder research and treatment to reduce the disparities for underrepresented groups and ensure individualised treatment."
Over the last 12-18 months, the situation for those affected by eating disorders has gone from bad to inhumane. People with eating disorders are being told they are not sick enough, and then by the time they come back for treatment, they are told they are too sick. People with eating disorders are being told they are too complex, that they aren’t working hard enough to recover.
My social media is full of messages from people who are unable to get support, such as young patients not having access to paediatric wards close to home, carers who have lost loved ones to eating disorders, and those who have had their treatment withdrawn based on length of illness.
Let me be clear: length of illness does not stop someone recovering from an eating disorder. Eating disorders are treatable and it’s disgraceful that people aren’t being given treatment.
I wish I could say that after the march, things just changed and it all got better, but that isn’t the reality. The reality is that since the 27 April, people still aren’t able to get the treatment they deserve. Carers are being left with no support and schools, and society more broadly, are having to pick up the pieces when an individual is in limbo. But we can and will keep pushing for change.
Being a campaigner is amazing, but it can also be very frustrating. However, by coming together we can create more noise and ensure that things change for those affected by eating disorders.
How to support the #DumpTheScales campaign
Write to your newly elected MP to ask them what they are doing to support those affected by eating disorders.
Educate yourself on eating disorders, the signs to spot, how to support people and the dangers of diet culture.
All you need to do is grab a piece of paper and write ‘I am supporting #DumpTheScales’ and share on your social media. If you include #DumpTheScales in the caption, I can share it!
By coming together we can create more noise and ensure that things change for those affected by eating disorders.
More information and advice
We have tips and advice to help you find the support you need. Take a look at our guides.
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Where to get help
However you're feeling, there are people who can help you if you are struggling. Here are some services that can support you.
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Beat
Offers information and support for anybody affected by eating disorders.
One-to-one web chat available. They also run a range of online support groups, which are all fully moderated and anonymous.
Enter your postcode in the HelpFinder to see what eating disorder support is available in your area.
View their information on helpline accessibility and confidentiality.
- Opening times:
- 365 days a year - weekdays (9am - 8pm); weekends (4pm - 8pm)
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Youth Access
Provides information about local counselling and advice services for young people aged 11-25.
Put in your location and what you need help with into their 'Find help' search, and see what services are available in your area.