A group of MPs are calling for logos to be placed on some commercial images in a bid to tackle body dissatisfaction.
MPs on the House of Commons’ Health and Social Care Committee said the impact of body image on mental and physical health is “wide-reaching” and that the government is “not doing enough to understand the scale of the risks”.
The committee is calling on the government to introduce a law so “commercial images” which feature bodies that have been doctored in any way – including changing body proportions or skin tone – are legally required to carry a logo to let viewers know they have been digitally altered.
Chairman of the committee, former health secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “At the very minimum, when commercial companies photoshop images to make people more thin than they would be in real life, we think that should be labelled – we think people looking at those images should know this is not a real human being.
“And that’s part of the way that we can help people use social media with more awareness, (to know) some of the tricks of the trade if you like, and therefore stop this ever-focus on our bodies, which is so damaging for so many young people, particularly young women.”
The report expresses concerns over the impact of social media on body dissatisfaction, particularly among young people.
MPs have called on ministers to discourage influencers from altering their images.
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The report also says that more needs to be done to tackle obesity and to help prevent children from developing body image issues in early life.
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A government spokesman said: “We know the devastating impact issues around body image can have on a person’s mental and physical health, and we are continuing to take steps to support those affected.
“As part of our ongoing effort, we will be introducing a national licensing scheme to help prevent exploitation, improve safety and ensure individuals are making informed and safe choices about non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
“This will build on the existing support we have put in place, from expanding mental health services – including for those with body dysmorphic disorder – with an additional £2.3bn a year by 2024, to changing the law preventing under-18s accessing Botox and filler treatments for cosmetic purposes.”
