The Government must speed up the introduction of a promised
licensing regime for non-surgical cosmetic procedures to
prevent vulnerable people being exploited.
The Impact of body image on mental and physical
health report identifies a rise in body image
dissatisfaction as the driver behind a new market that to date
has remained largely unregulated. The dangers posed by
non-surgical cosmetic procedures in vulnerable groups were
evident throughout the inquiry, say MPs.
The Government has new powers to introduce a licensing regime for
non-surgical cosmetic procedures however a consultation on what
that regime should look like is still awaited.
Legislation should require online commercial content to carry a
logo to identify body images that have been digitally altered
while the Government is urged to work with the industry and the
ASA to discourage advertisers and influencers from doctoring
their images.
The wide-ranging report also calls for a Government review of the
growing use of anabolic steroids for cosmetic purposes
and proposes a safety campaign for those at risk. Long-term use
has been linked with cardiovascular disease and brain
changes.
On obesity, MPs were disappointed by a Government decision to
delay restrictions on buy-one-get-one-free deals and urge
immediate action. The report also calls for further research on
tackling obesity while eliminating weight stigma and
discrimination.
Health and Social Care Committee Chair Rt Hon said:
“The government must act urgently to end the situation
where anyone can carry out non-surgical cosmetic procedures,
regardless of training or qualifications. We heard of some
distressing experiences – a conveyor belt approach with
procedures carried out with no questions asked, procedures that
have gone wrong, the use of filthy premises.
“It was clear throughout our inquiry that some groups are
particularly vulnerable to exploitation in this growing market
that has gone largely unregulated. We need a timetable now for a
licensing regime with patient safety at its centre to reduce
those risks.
“We hope that ministers will listen to our
recommendations and set about creating the safety standards that
anyone seeking treatment has a right to expect.”
ENDS
Key recommendations to
Government from the Committee’s report:
Non-surgical cosmetic procedures:
-
Introduce new licensing regime by July 2023
-
Dermal fillers should be made prescription-only
substances, in line with Botox
-
Minimum standards on education and training for
administering practitioners to ensure patient safety
-
Establish 'Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures' safety
taskforce with regulatory bodies among its members
-
Two-part consent process should include full medical
and mental health history with 48-hour cooling off
period
Body image:
-
Work with industry and ASA to encourage advertisers and
influencers not to doctor images
-
Commercial images should carry a logo if digitally
altered
-
Diagnosis and treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
(BDD) should be made a priority
Obesity:
-
Reconsider decision to delay restricting multibuy deals
for foods and drinks high in fat, salt, or sugar - including
buy-one-get-one-free - and implement immediately
A full list of conclusions and recommendations can be
found in the attached report
Among those who gave evidence to
MPs: Charlie King, reality TV star and
influencer; James Brittain-McVey, lead guitarist in The Vamps and
campaigner; Kim Booker, speaking about her experience of Body
Dysmorphic Disorder; Alex Light, journalist and influencer; and
Nyome Nicholas-Williams, model and activist.
A survey carried
out by the Committee found 80% of respondents agreed or strongly
agreed that their body image had a negative impact on their
mental health, with 61% agreeing or strongly agreeing that their
body image negatively impacts their physical health.
The Health and Care Act 2022 gives the
Government powers to introduce a licensing regime for
non-surgical cosmetic procedures following a consultation
process.
