There should be greater understanding and awareness of the link between women’s mental health and their relationship with food,according to an Issues Paper published today by Women's Health Victoria on Women and Food
"Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa are serious mental illnesses, affecting more women than men. Women struggle with unhealthy eating behaviours, many from a young age, in an attempt to fit a culturally acceptable slim ideal. This ideal is completely out of reach for most women," said Women’s Health Victoria Policy and Health Promotion Manager, Rose Durey.
"What many people don’t know is that by strict dieting or skipping meals, women may be setting themselves up for a lifetime of weight gain and poor nutrition," she said.
Eighty-six percent of Victorian women do not eat the recommended quantity of fruit and vegetables as recommended by the Australian guidelines for health eating and 56 percent of Victorian women are overweight or obese.
"Women who are overweight or obese experience various forms of stigmatisation that stop them participating in healthy pursuits such as physical activity and social events," Ms Durey said.
"In turn this has further negative impact on their mental health.
"We know that the other barriers to a healthy diet and exercise are related to women’s social and economic environment. Income is a key factor in food insecurity and this affects more women than men. The risk of obesity is estimated to be 20 to 40 percent higher for women who experience mild to moderate food insecurity. Food insecurity is associated with anxiety and depression."
"We need to look at the underlying forces at play that keep women on the merry-go-round of body dissatisfaction and poor mental health. These forces are complex. We need to challenge gender stereotypes and ensure women have equal access to economic opportunities."
Further information:
A copy of the report is http://whv.org.au/publicationsresources/publications-resources-by-topic/post/women-and-food-ip/">available here.
__small.png)
