This web page contains material of a sensitive nature that includes descriptions of weight loss injections (GLP-1’s), their usage and effects. This may be upsetting and/or triggering for some individuals and we advise discretion. If you are feeling uncomfortable at any point while reading this content we recommend taking time away from the page.
We do not encourage anyone to use GLP-1s unless under careful supervision by a healthcare professional after a thorough mental and physical health assessment.
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There is growing use of weight loss injections (i.e., GLP-1 receptor agonists), however, whilst GLP-1’s may significantly reduce weight, they may also promote or worsen disordered eating behaviours with their impact.
Presently, the psychological risks associated with prescribing GLP-1s are not being adequately considered within mainstream clinical pathways when being prescribed to individuals with current or past experiences of eating disorders.
This project, led by researchers at the Obesity Institute (Leeds Beckett University) in collaboration with Beat, aims to address this gap by using co-production to understand how to improve the discussion surrounding the prescription of GLP-1s to patients with a history of eating disorders.
COURAGE (CO-production to Understand how to betteR support pAtients considering using GLP-1s who have a history of an Eating disorder) will explore lived experiences of discussing using GLP-1s with their GPs in the context of eating disorders.
We will conduct two meetings with experts by experience to explore experiences and identify areas for improvement, such as gaps in the referral process, informed decisions, weight-bias, lack of screening tools, and safeguarding concerns.
We will bring together the key themes to create an infographic, which will be shared with both patients and prescribers. Through this, COURAGE aims to raise awareness, promote patient advocacy, and help shape future clinical guidance.
Becoming an advisory board member is an exciting opportunity to raise awareness, promote patient advocacy and help shape future clinical guidance on GLP-1s in the context of eating disorders.
By becoming a member, you will receive:
We are looking for six people with lived experience of having an eating disorder, aged 18+ years old based in England who have discussed using GLP-1s with a primary care professional or pharmacy.
All members must be based in England and must be in stable recovery of their eating disorder for at least 12 months.
The recovery criteria for members are defined below:
We want to make sure that our advisory boards are fully representative of the diverse communities across the U.K., and so we are particularly keen to hear from people from people who identify with any of the following:
As with all our work, we are also committed to representing the full range of eating disorders, including the ‘lesser known’ ones. This includes anyone who may not have a formal diagnosis, and inclusive of both long- and short-term eating disorder experiences.
As part of the advisory board, you would meet with fellow members as part of a group of six people. There will be two meetings, one on January 14th and another on May 28th. Both will be conducted via Zoom and will take place from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
Beat co-production staff will facilitate meetings and there will also be dedicated staff available to provide any support needed.
Leeds Beckett University and Beat want to acknowledge the valuable expertise those with lived experience will bring to this project, so all board members will be paid for the time they contribute. Payment for participation in sessions will be £25 per hour in line with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) benchmark: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/documents/payment-guidance-for-members-of-the-public-considering-involvement-in-research/27372#citizens-advice-bureau-cab
Want to take part?
If you would like to become an advisory board member on the COURAGE Project, we would like to invite you to join us at an online information session.
Our information session will be a chance for you to find out more about the advisory board, what will be involved, support available, meet staff members you would be working with and ask any questions you may have!
We will be having our online information session on:
12th November 6pm-7pm
To register for an information session please complete our sign-up form:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/r34bSHivg3
If you cannot attend an information session but would like to know more about the project, please contact Beat’s Co-Production team at coproduction@beateatingdisorders.org.uk.