International Nurse's Day 2025: winning Policy Idol as an MNurs student

Participating in Policy Idol was an incredible experience, one that pushed me far beyond my comfort zone and offered a unique opportunity to spotlight something I am truly passionate about. I had the chance to stand before an esteemed panel of judges - leaders in politics, academia, and industry - to present on early intervention for eating disorders. This is an issue that is deeply personal to me, and one that remains widely misunderstood, dismissed, and neglected by the public, policymakers and even our healthcare system.

The link between disordered eating and compulsive exercise

This link is well documented. Today’s booming health and fitness industries, driven by a society increasingly fixated on wellness, have created environments where these behaviours are easily missed, or worse, encouraged. While this growth has its benefits, it has also introduced significant unaddressed risks for individuals who are vulnerable to or already struggling with eating disorders and exercise addiction. My proposal aimed to tackle these issues through stronger safeguarding measures in UK gyms, with the goal of initiating early intervention, reducing harm, and shifting public perception.

Eating disorders (EDs) are serious, complex and increasingly prevalent mental health conditions. They are among the deadliest of all psychiatric illnesses, with anorexia nervosa carrying the highest mortality rate. EDs affect over 4% of the UK population: a figure that continues to rise at an alarming rate. These illnesses defy stereotypes and they do not discriminate, unlike the systems they exist within. Enduring stigma, assumptions, and systemic gaps delay recognition and prevent access to timely care.

EDs also come with extremely high costs - not only to individuals and their families, but to the NHS and the wider economy. Delayed diagnosis and limited community support often result in more intensive, invasive, and longer-term interventions. The emotional, financial and societal toll is immense.

We live in a society with a distorted perception of health, one that promotes disordered behaviours as desirable habits, not only normalising but inadvertently praising harmful mindsets and actions. Gyms are uniquely positioned: providing physical spaces where disordered habits - including compulsive exercise, a common but overlooked aspect of eating disorders - can take root and spiral, making them prime sites for early intervention and support. However, there is currently very little in place to safeguard those at risk.

My pitch

My proposal sought to address this systemic gap by strengthening safeguarding responsibilities in UK gyms. I called for the implementation of realistic, cost-effective measures to better support individuals vulnerable to EDs and compulsive exercise:

1. Enhanced membership screenings: Expanding existing physical health questionnaires with validated ED and exercise screening tools to identify those at risk.

1. Mandatory training for gym staff: Collaborating with the UK’s ED charity Beat to adapt existing teacher training models for fitness professionals, equipping staff to recognise early signs and signpost individuals to support.

1. Public education and resource provision: Making educational, awareness, and support materials accessible to gym users - through posters, leaflets, text-based support, and constructive social media content to dismantle harmful narratives.

These are low-barrier, evidence-informed, person-centred interventions that use existing infrastructure and digital tools. They are scalable across local, regional, and national settings, with potential funding pathways across multiple sectors. Most importantly, they focus on early intervention, the strongest predictor of recovery, and therefore have the capacity to save lives and reduce costs.

On the night

Public speaking has always terrified me, so this Policy Idol journey was a huge personal challenge. The nerves definitely made their appearance, but I was determined not to let anxiety stop me from giving it my all. The evening actually fell on the birthday of a friend I lost to this illness last year, making the whole event especially poignant. Her memory, my own experience, and the strength of so many others navigating recovery, battling in silence, or grieving loss, gave me the courage to stand up and speak.

The conversations that took place both in preparation and after the event have been the most meaningful part of the experience. Before the final, I spoke with the Public Commissioning Lead at Beat, who expressed interest in exploring how the training element could be developed. I’m now in conversation with King’s faculty to discuss piloting some of these measures on campus. That kind of engagement was far beyond what I could have hoped for, and it’s inspired me to keep pushing forward.

Prior the final, all participants took part in a policy and communications workshop, where we were introduced to the policymaking process and learnt how to craft impactful pitches. We were also paired with mentors to help refine our content and delivery. I’m especially grateful to mine, Tianne Haggar, whose expertise and encouragement were invaluable throughout. I’m also hugely thankful to The Policy Institute for creating a space where bold ideas could be explored and shared by students from across King’s.

It was a privilege to stand alongside so many passionate, articulate peers, each presenting thoughtful proposals spanning technology, education, social justice, and global health. The event was a powerful reminder of the brilliance and diversity within the King’s student community, and the impact of student voices when they are given the chance to be heard.

I entered Policy Idol to challenge myself - to take a risk, pour passion into purpose, and raise the profile of an illness that tears lives apart. To have my proposal heard by a room full of people, including faculty and policy leaders, was a huge honour and incredibly humbling.

Silence, stigma, and a lack of public education continue to keep eating disorders hidden in plain sight. Policy Idol showed me that change can begin with a single idea, spoken aloud. Scary - but powerful.