The LENS (Lived Experience Narratives and Scenarios of eating disorders) research project focused on understanding lived experiences of eating disorders of young people (16-25 years) from diverse, underrepresented and ‘at risk’ groups. This included young people from ethnically and culturally diverse groups; young people who are LGBTQ+; young people impacted by resource insecurity (e.g., poverty / cost of living); and young people living rurally.

The LENS project used a participatory design approach to work collaboratively with young people with eating disorders. The aim was to co-create a range of stories from lived experience and develop an inclusive language for how we talk about and raise awareness of eating disorders.

Through engagement with young people with lived experience of eating disorders, the LENS research contributes insight to the emerging literature base relating to intersectional dimensions of ethnicity and culture, gender, resource security and place on the unique journeys of young people. The findings of the research also reinforce the call for lived experience to be a core part of ongoing training, service design and delivery.