When The Biggest Loser first aired, it captured audiences with dramatic before-and-after photos and emotional weigh-ins. But behind the spectacle was a darker reality; one of exploitation, stigma, and long-term harm. Drawing on my own experience working in reality television, I explore the ways the show failed to protect participants, the lasting damage of extreme weight loss, and what it reveals about how society views body size and dignity.

In a world where AI-generated models grace fashion magazines and celebrities sell face-shaping shapewear, the pressure to meet impossible beauty ideals is more intense than ever. This blog explores two disturbing new trends, and why they matter for body image and mental health.

A high school student led a heartfelt initiative to create handwritten cards of support for people currently in eating disorder treatment. With help from friends and support from school staff, these messages of hope and compassion are now being shared with clients in recovery.

With weight loss drug Wegovy now available in New Zealand pharmacies, many people are asking whether this is a step forward for health - or just another way our culture reinforces the belief that thinner is better. In this blog, clinical psychologist Dr Eve Hermansson-Webb explores the complex reasons people turn to medications like Wegovy, the potential risks for those vulnerable to eating disorders, and the bigger systemic failures being overlooked in the rush to shrink bodies.

Nutrition and dietetic students are often overlooked as a high-risk group for eating disorders, despite their education focusing on health. This blog explores why these students are particularly vulnerable and how we can create safer, more supportive learning environments.

The rising cost of living is pushing many people in Aotearoa into food insecurity - a crisis that not only impacts physical health but can also trigger or worsen eating disorders. In this blog, I explore the complex relationship between food scarcity, disordered eating, and the systemic barriers that prevent people from getting the help they need.