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Why is livED different?

Research into lived experience of eating disorders can take a limited view of individual stories and situations. livED is a place where anyone who has ever experienced body image, eating or exercise concerns can contribute to research with the aim of improving understanding and outcomes.

In 2016, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) released the Statement on Consumer and Community Involvement in Health and Medical Research, advocating for consumer participation in mental health research, and yet this research approach in eating disorders is in its infancy.

The aim of the livED project is to directly connect rich personal stories and experiences to researchers, clinicians, and advocates, with the overall objective to improve and diversify the understanding of eating disorders within the community.

Participate

Who can participate?

We are seeking people who:

• Are 16 years or over
• Have a self-reported past or current lived experience of eating disorder symptoms, whether formally diagnosed or not
• Have access to a computer, mobile or tablet device via internet connection
• Able to read and respond in the English language.

It is not important whether you have (or have had) eating disorder symptomatology that is mild or not causing you any issues, your experiences are very valuable.

FAQs

Who is the livED team?

The livED team are a group of researchers from the InsideOut Institute of Eating Disorders, a collaboration between the University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, and the Sydney Local Health District, committed to conducting research aimed at improving the lives of people with a lived or living experience of eating disorders within Australia.

This project has been designed, developed and delivered via a co-design process at each stage with people with lived and living experience of disordered eating .

Study Team

What do we hope to learn?

The livED project is an innovative approach to engage with the large and diverse community of people with a lived and/or living experience of eating disorders. livED has been designed with the concept that people have different experiences, communicate in different ways, and want to be involved at different levels. We acknowledge that people will contribute their stories and experiences and we aim to reciprocate by sharing resources, key findings and insights on a regular basis with participants and the wider community.

We acknowledge the tradition of custodianship and law of the Country on which the University of Sydney and Charles Perkins Centre campus stands. We pay our respects to those who have cared and continue to care for Country, and pay respects to elders past, present, and emerging. We are committed to diversifying research and eliminating inequities and discrimination in healthcare. Our work culture is one of openness, inclusivity, and respect for all people regardless of age, gender, race, size, sexuality, language, socioeconomic status, location or ability.

Acknowledgement of Lived Experience

We acknowledge the individual and collective expertise of those with a living or lived experience of eating disorders, disordered eating, and mental health challenges. We recognise their vital contribution at all levels and value the courage of those who share their unique perspective for the purpose of research, learning and growing together to achieve better outcomes for all.

Funding

The livED project is part of the MAINSTREAM Collaboration for Health System Research & Translation in Eating Disorders and is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care National Health and Medical Research Council MRFF Million Minds Mission.

Ethics Statement

This study has been approved by the University of Sydney Human Ethics Review Committee. Any person with concerns or complaints about the conduct of this study should contact the Human Ethics Manager - (02) 8627 8176 or human.ethics@sydney.edu.au and quote protocol number [2023/895]. Any future research will be reviewed and approved by an appropriately accredited Human Research Ethics Committee.

We thank our lived experience co-design team for their involvement in the conception, design, development, and inception of the livED project. We hope the knowledge and understanding gained will help us better serve and support all those impacted.

If at any time you feel distressed, you can call the Butterfly Foundation at 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673) to get support from an eating disorder specialist, the Mental Health Access Line for NSW at 1800 011 511, Qlife 1800 184 527 or LifeLine at 13 11 14 for crisis support.

If you have any questions about the study, reach out to the InsideOut team on 02 8627 5690 or livedstudy@sydney.edu.au.