The aim of this study is to investigate the lived experience of those with atypical anorexia to then use as an educational strategy to help health professionals better recognise and treat the condition. It will aim to break stereotypes, build empathy and clinical capability.

Eating disorders are often misunderstood and misrepresented by the media, which in turn impacts health professional perceptions. Atypical anorexia shares the medical risk of anorexia nervosa but is often overlooked because the clients exist in larger bodies. This leads to the worsening of the eating disorder, despite the client reaching out for treatment because their symptoms were dismissed. Therefore, there is a need to educate health professionals and health professionals in training.

You will be asked to complete a one-hour interview with a researcher. This will be conducted on Zoom at a time convenient to you. The interviewer will ask you to describe your experience getting a diagnosis and interaction with the medical system through treatment. You will be asked to consider what barriers you faced and whether there were elements that could have been improved. This interview will then be used (audio, transcript and/or video) will then be used in a package for health professional education. Further, you will be invited to create the package for health professionals, utilising creative or other means to best tell your story.

We respect your knowledge and wisdom in this area. You will have the opportunity to view and edit your contribution before it is released to medical professionals to maintain your autonomy.

If you are interested in taking part, please contact Christie Bennett, [email protected].