Elevating Lived Experiences Voices: Exploring the Impact of Higher Weight, Weight Related Conditions, Eating Disorders and Weight Stigma
People living in a larger body experience disproportionately high rates of eating disorders, yet their voices remain under-represented in advocacy, research and policy.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Built in response to what people with lived experience asked for
ELEVATE grew out of Restore the Balance, a pilot study supporting people with lived experience of eating disorders and higher weight to take part in research coproduction. They wanted a presence, they wanted their voices heard, and they needed a forum to do it.
Our aim is for people with lived experience of eating disorders and higher weight to be heard and understood.
01
Evidence synthesis
Reviews establishing what is known, and where the gaps are.
02
Advisory group
People with lived experience, supported to advise researchers.
03
Research registry
A standing group of people interested in future studies.
04
Qualitative research
Interview studies, with new arms added as themes emerge.
OPEN NOW
Studies currently recruiting
Each study involves a short online survey and a one-on-one Zoom interview.
Higher weight and eating disorders
Experiences and perspectives of people with lived experience of both, past or current.
YOU CAN TAKE PART IF YOU
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Are 18 or older
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Have lived experience of higher weight (BMI >25)
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Have lived experience of an eating disorder
Type 2 diabetes and eating disorders
Experiences of living with both, and of navigating healthcare.
YOU CAN TAKE PART IF YOU
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Are 18 or older
-
Have type 2 diabetes
-
Have lived experience of an eating disorder
Health professionals: eating disorders and GLP-1 medications
Clinical perspectives on working with clients who have used GLP-1 medications.
YOU CAN TAKE PART IF YOU
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Are a health professional practising in Australia
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Have worked with clients with eating disorders who have taken GLP-1 medications
IN PROGRESS
Closed studies, findings in preparation
PCOS and eating disorders
Higher weight and GLP-1 medications
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
What we have reviewed so far
72
studies
PCOS and eating disorders
135
studies, 13 guidelines
Type 2 diabetes and eating disorders
59
trials
GLP-1 medications and higher weight
28
trials
GLP-1 medications and eating disorders
25
studies, 68 interventions
Psychological treatments in higher weight
All ELEVATE studies are approved by La Trobe University Human Research Ethics [HEC25174] and Australian Catholic University [2025-4425R]. Participation is voluntary and participants can withdraw at any time.
Contact the team at elevate.voices@latrobe.edu.au