Reimagining Public Engagement in Eating Disorders Research

A review and bibliometric analysis on the last five decades of eating disorders (EDs) research by Lee and Chi (2025) reports a generally weak connection between public attention and academic citations. The authors suggest a few potential reasons for this phenomenon, including that public interest may not reflect long-term scientific value. We use a public health policy perspective to offer an alternate argument: that public attention and engagement, alongside scientific rigor, are necessary to move the ED field forward and generate substantive policy change. We discuss how research topics that resonate with the public, such as less commonly represented EDs or EDs among under-represented populations, can lead to decreases in stigma and support the early identification of symptoms among the population. Drawing on the ideas of strategic science, we stress the importance of intentionally linking academic work to policy by conducting research that is relevant to decision-makers as well as the broader public, working within multi- and trans-disciplinary teams, and training researchers, especially those in early career positions, on how to conduct policy-relevant research. The synergism of public engagement with research and scientific impact can be a powerful force for moving the ED field forward.