Disordered Eating

Record numbers of young people are being treated for eating disorders. Zara McDermott explores the reasons behind this explosion in cases and sets out to discover how far social media influencers like her might be part of the problem.

As a former Love Islander and reality TV star, Zara has a large number of young followers. Alongside her regular Instagram profile, Zara has a secondary page @ADayWithZara, where she shares what she eats and her rigorous exercise routines. But is she unwittingly encouraging unhealthy attitudes to food and weight loss in her followers?

The effects of the pandemic and widespread mental illness are undoubtedly key causes of disordered eating in the people Zara talks to, but the perfect images of Instagram influencers are playing their part too.

Zara meets Sophie from Kent, who constantly compares herself to the bodily perfection on social media which has led her to an obsession with the gym.

Zara also talks to Lauren from Buckinghamshire, who started a fitness social media account during lockdown that catapulted her into a severe eating disorder. Zara meets Lauren the day before she is admitted to a clinic which will treat her anorexia.

Two years ago, Zara shared her recent weight loss with her followers on her health and fitness page. At the time, Zara defended her posts, but now, in a year when eating disorders are spiralling, she wonders if she should think again?

In this brave and compelling documentary, Zara meets with her youngest, most impressionable followers, as well as her harshest critics.