The impact of body image on mental and physical health: government response

This is the government's response, published 7 February 2023.

Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.

The government "strongly agrees" there is a need for cross-government work on body image, but says there is not an immediate need for a standalone strategy and that it will not meet the committee's timeline for licensing non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

• On eating disorders, it expects them to be considered within the major conditions strategy (interim report due in the summer), so "does not intend to publish a separate national eating disorder strategy". It accepts the research part of the recommendation.
• It agrees that diagnosis and treatment of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a priority, but says this is "best achieved through the current training, referral routes and curriculum".
• On non-surgical cosmetic procedures, it is taking forward a licensing scheme but says it "will not be able to meet the timeline recommended by the committee". DHSC will agree the procedures in scope and communicate a plan for delivery by July 2023.
• On screen time, it says much more research is needed before national guidance. DHSC will work with DCMS and DfE on gathering evidence "before deciding whether to progress with a nationwide public health campaign", which would be contingent on future funding settlements.

Read the government's response ↗ Report an error