Questo Corpo

Eating disorders affect people in the small towns of Alto Belice Corleonese, yet they are rarely talked about, and those affected often do not know where to turn. The project was started by a group of young people with first-hand experience of the issue, building on Battiti Lilla, an initiative launched in Marineo in 2023 to break the silence around eating disorders.

In January 2025, a survey by Naqah and Battiti Lilla collected 134 responses, mostly from Marineo and nearby towns: 87% felt eating disorders were not discussed enough in their community, and 87% did not know whether any support services existed locally. Three in four felt that social media strongly shaped how people see their bodies.

Questo Corpo is a solidarity project: designed and run directly by a group of young people, with Naqah's support.

From June 2025 to May 2026 the group ran a prevention and awareness programme, non-clinical and based on peer support. It does not replace specialist services: it creates spaces to talk and tools to recognise the warning signs.

What we did

• a public launch event with talks, personal stories and art activities;
• focus groups and peer meetings on body image, social media and beauty pressure;
• an anonymous survey on knowledge, stereotypes and myths about eating disorders;
• talks and workshops with educators, psychologists and nutritionists, to talk about prevention in plain language;
• mindful cooking workshops and sessions on our relationship with food, from diet myths to food marketing;
• a social media campaign against stereotypes and misinformation;
• meetings with local schools, institutions and associations to widen the network;
• a final event open to the community.

All activities were free and aimed mainly at young people aged 18 to 30 from the towns of Alto Belice Corleonese.