Why Evidence-Based Therapies Matter: Cutting Through the Noise on Nutrition and Body Image
In today’s fast-moving digital world, it’s never been easier to find advice on how to eat, how to look, and how to live. Social media is flooded with wellness influencers, lifestyle coaches, and self-proclaimed nutrition experts offering quick fixes, miracle diets, and body transformation plans. While some of this advice may seem harmless—or even inspiring—much of it is misinformed, oversimplified, or outright harmful.
At The London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image, we are passionate about ensuring that the care and support our clients receive is grounded in evidence, guided by clinical expertise, and delivered with compassion.
The Risks of Misinformation
Nutrition and body image are two areas especially vulnerable to misinformation. Whether it's a viral TikTok about "what I eat in a day" or a restrictive meal plan that promises glowing skin and weight loss, the messages people absorb can deeply shape their self-worth and health behaviours—especially for those already vulnerable to disordered eating.
Misinformation can:
Reinforce harmful body ideals
Promote restrictive or unsustainable eating habits
Undermine recovery by contradicting sound clinical advice
Delay appropriate treatment by offering false hope
It’s not uncommon for clients to come to us confused and overwhelmed after trying multiple diets or online programmes, only to find their physical and emotional wellbeing deteriorating.
What Does “Evidence-Based” Really Mean?
Evidence-based treatment means that the interventions we use have been rigorously researched, tested, and shown to be effective. In the context of eating disorders, this includes, (but is not limited to):
CBT-E (Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy): A leading treatment for many eating disorders, focusing on the thoughts and behaviours that maintain the problem.
MANTRA (Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults): A model tailored for those with anorexia, targeting emotional and interpersonal difficulties alongside eating behaviours.
FAMILY-BASED THERAPY (FBT): Particularly effective in children and adolescents, involving parents and/or carers as key players in supporting recovery.
Dietetic support grounded in clinical science: Rather than focusing on “clean eating” or trends, our registered dietitians provide structured, personalised guidance to help rebuild a balanced relationship with food and the body.
It is crucial to understand that there is no universal solution when it comes to nutrition or recovery. Every individual is unique—with their own genetic makeup, medical history, psychological profile, lifestyle, and cultural background. This means nutritional needs and recovery pathways can vary significantly from person to person.
At TLC, we believe in personalised care plans that evolve in response to each individual’s progress, preferences, and goals. A “one-size-fits-all” approach simply doesn’t work when treating something as deeply personal and complex as an eating disorder. This is why we take time to listen, assess thoroughly, and tailor our support at every stage.
Why It Matters
When it comes to recovery, getting the right support early on can make all the difference. But not all help is created equal. It’s vital that clients and families—and/or carers—know how to recognise credible sources and seek out clinicians who are trained, regulated, and working within ethical, evidence-based frameworks.
At TLC, our team includes:
HCPC-registered psychologists and dietitians
GMC-registered consultant psychiatrists
Professionals trained in NICE-recommended treatment models
A commitment to CQC-regulated care standards
We also prioritise ongoing supervision, reflective practice, and multidisciplinary collaboration—all essential in delivering safe, high-quality care.
A Note to Anyone Struggling
If you're feeling unsure about the advice you’ve received—or overwhelmed by mixed messages about nutrition and body image—talk to us. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness or failure. It’s an act of strength and self-respect.
And you don’t have to have an eating disorder to seek help from us - whether you're concerned about your relationship with food, feeling pressure around body image, or simply want some education or advice, we're here to help. We speak to individuals at all stages—from those with more complex, longstanding difficulties to those who are just beginning to question if something doesn’t feel quite right.
Recovery is possible. And with the right support—grounded in clinical evidence, tailored to you, and delivered with compassion—you can find your way back to a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food, your body, and yourself.
Get in touch with us at info@thelondoncentre.co.uk