Every time a celebrity appears to lose weight, the same debate begins.

Some people say we shouldn’t comment on another person’s body. Others argue staying silent ignores the possibility that someone may be struggling.

So when does genuine concern become harmful scrutiny?

It’s a question many people have been asking following recent public discussion about singer Ariana Grande’s appearance.

Grande announced on Monday she will be “taking a step back from visibility” after her current tour, saying recent public appearances had led to “endless, ongoing public scrutiny”.

Grande hasn’t said this relates to her weight or to an eating disorder, and it would be inappropriate to speculate about her health. But the discussion raises an important question that extends far beyond celebrities.

I’m a clinical psychologist and academic who has spent more than 20 years researching and working with people experiencing eating disorders.

Here’s what I’ve found about the difference between scrutiny and concern – and why the difference matters when you’re worried someone might have an eating disorder.

Scrutiny focuses on bodies

Scrutiny begins with appearance, while concern begins with wellbeing.

Scrutiny asks, “What does this person look like?” Concern asks, “How is this person coping?”

When we publicly analyse someone’s body, we’re making assumptions about their health based on........

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