Lyla Lindsey
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that involve an unhealthy obsession with eating, exercise, or body shape. They are complex illnesses influenced by a range of biological, psychological, environmental, and socio-cultural factors. Eating disorders affect about 4% to 16% of Australians and can have severe consequences for both the affected individual and their family. Anyone can develop an eating disorder, but it is more common in adolescents and young adults. It is important to recognise the signs and symptoms of eating disorders and seek help as early as possible, as they can be damaging to the body and even fatal if left untreated.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Australians with an eating disorder | 4% of the population or approximately one million Australians |
| Eating disorder type | BED (47%), bulimia nervosa (12%), anorexia nervosa (3%), other (38%) |
| Eating disorder symptoms | Concern about your appearance, food, and gaining weight |
| BED symptoms | Eating large amounts of food even when not hungry, shame and guilt after eating, fasting or dieting in response |
| Bulimia nervosa symptoms | Frequent eating binges, vomiting, taking laxatives or diet pills, feeling out of control |
| Anorexia nervosa symptoms | Preoccupation with food, fear of weight gain, being severely underweight |
| Disordered eating | Restrictive dieting, binge eating, vomiting, laxative use |
| Disordered eating prevalence | 31.6% of Australian adolescents |
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What You'll Learn
Eating disorder symptoms and warning signs
Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses characterised by disturbances in behaviours, thoughts, and feelings towards body weight and shape, and/or food. They can have a serious impact on the person affected and their family. Eating disorders are complex and do not have a single identifiable cause. They can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or background, and symptoms can change over time.
Eating disorders can cause symptoms that affect both physical and mental health. Signs and symptoms vary based on the type of eating disorder but could include:
- Mood swings
- Fainting or dizziness
- Thinning hair or hair loss
- Unexplained weight changes or drastic weight loss
- Unusual sweating or hot flashes
- Restrictive eating
- Eating a lot in a short amount of time (binge eating)
- Avoiding food or certain foods
- Forced vomiting after meals or laxative misuse
- Compulsive exercising after meals
- Frequent bathroom breaks after eating
- Withdrawing from friends or social activities
- Hiding food or throwing it away
- Food rituals (chewing food longer than necessary, eating in secret, or eating foods in a certain order)
People with anorexia nervosa can be severely underweight, are preoccupied with food and fear putting on weight. They often have a distorted body image and see themselves as fat. Orthorexia is an obsession with healthy or "clean" eating.
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Eating disorders can be damaging to the body and may even be fatal, but they are treatable.
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Risk factors and causes
Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that affect over 70 million people worldwide. In Australia, eating disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent, with increasing numbers of people diagnosed each year. Approximately one million Australians live with an eating disorder each year, which is about 4% of the population. Eating disorders can occur in people of all ages and genders, across all socioeconomic groups, and from any cultural background.
The primary cause of eating disorders is unknown, but certain risk factors have been identified. These include a negative body image, perfectionism, mental health conditions, social anxiety, and diet culture, including the advertisement of diet pills. Eating disorders generally affect women at higher rates than men, likely due to the impact of media expectations of women's bodies. Social media has contributed to this, although it has existed throughout history. Research indicates that eating disorders have a higher prevalence in LGBTQI+ individuals.
Genetic, psychological, and socio-cultural factors can also increase the likelihood of developing an eating disorder. Previous findings from family and twin studies indicate that eating disorders have a hereditary component. Eating disorders often co-occur with other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Bullying has also been associated with eating disorders, as it can contribute to low self-esteem and body image concerns.
Dieting is another potent risk factor for eating disorder symptoms and development, typically occurring in late adolescence. Young people who initiate diets may already carry a heightened risk for eating disorders due to underlying body image concerns. In Australia, approximately a third (31.6%) of adolescents engage in disordered eating behaviours within any given year.
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Diagnosis and treatment options
Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, environmental, and socio-cultural factors. They are marked by irregular eating habits, distress about eating, and an obsession with body weight and image. The symptoms of eating disorders vary for each individual, making self-diagnosis or diagnosis without professional help potentially dangerous.
If you are concerned about an eating disorder, the first step is to see your doctor, who can refer you to the right services. A doctor or mental health professional can diagnose an eating disorder. There is no single test to decide whether someone has an eating disorder. Diagnosis involves physical examinations and psychological evaluations. During physical examinations, the doctor will check your height, weight, and vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature). Blood and urine tests may also be recommended to check your physical health. During psychological evaluations, the doctor or mental health professional will ask about your eating and body image, including your habits, beliefs, and behaviours.
There are a number of treatment and recovery support options available for people with eating disorders in Australia. Butterfly Foundation's Referral Database provides a directory of professionals, screened for an understanding of eating disorders, so people Australia-wide can find appropriate care. The Australian Centre for Eating Disorders (ACFED) also gives referrals for individual practitioners specializing in eating disorder recovery. Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV) Hub is a free and confidential service providing information and support to people experiencing an eating disorder or supporting a loved one with an eating disorder. The InsideOut Institute website also has an interactive tool designed to help people concerned about a loved one's eating and/or body image problems.
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Support and recovery options
Seek Professional Help: Recognising and acknowledging an eating disorder is a crucial step. It is important to seek professional help as eating disorders often require specialised treatment. A good first step is to speak with a General Practitioner (GP), who can provide guidance, referrals, and support throughout the recovery journey. They can help individuals access necessary services and treatments.
Treatment Centres and Programs: Australia has several treatment centres and programs specifically designed for individuals with eating disorders. These include residential treatment programs for severe or life-threatening cases, providing 24-hour medical and therapeutic support. Outpatient treatment centres also offer personalised treatment plans, including mental health services, inpatient care, and outpatient programs. Some centres, such as Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV), provide recovery guides, resources, and support for individuals and their loved ones.
Support Services: Various support services are available in Australia, such as the Butterfly Foundation, which offers confidential support, coping strategies, and guidance on treatment options. The National Eating Disorder Collaboration provides up-to-date information, research, and state-based recovery services. Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA) is a national organisation supporting carers and families, offering free online counselling. Additionally, Luma, a Western Australian organisation, provides free and low-cost healthcare for women and families affected by eating disorders.
Counselling and Therapy: Counselling and therapy are integral parts of recovery. Individual counselling, group therapy, and specialised eating disorder programs are available to address nutritional needs, provide evidence-based therapies, and improve body image. Support groups and peer support services, such as ReachOut PeerChat, can also be beneficial.
Holistic Approaches: Some individuals may prefer to incorporate holistic approaches into their treatment. This can include naturopathy, eastern medicine, reiki, meditation, yoga, massage, sound baths, and fitness programs. These complementary therapies can aid in overall well-being and stress reduction during recovery.
Community-Based Support: Community-based organisations like Eating Disorders Queensland promote positive body image and offer support to individuals and their loved ones. The Butterfly Foundation also provides face-to-face support groups and programs for those experiencing body image issues and their carers. Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV) encourages community involvement through volunteering, fundraising, and sharing lived experiences to create a supportive network.
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Impact and consequences
Eating disorders can have a significant impact on an individual's physical and mental health, and in some cases, they can even be life-threatening. The consequences of an eating disorder can vary depending on the specific type of disorder and the individual, but some general impacts include:
Physical Health:
The physical health consequences of an eating disorder can be severe and, in some cases, even life-threatening. Malnutrition, which is common in people with eating disorders, can lead to a range of health problems, including kidney stones, osteoporosis, and heart and gastrointestinal issues. In the case of anorexia nervosa, starvation can cause changes in the brain, making it hard for individuals to recognize they are unwell and understand the impact of their condition. Additionally, people with anorexia nervosa are at risk of dying from medical complications associated with starvation, and suicide is a leading cause of death for this group.
Mental Health:
Eating disorders often co-occur with other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders. They can also lead to an increased risk of developing another mental health condition. The psychological consequences of an eating disorder can include a distorted body image, low self-esteem, and preoccupation with food, weight, or body shape. These disorders can also impact a person's emotional well-being, with individuals often experiencing anxiety, distress, or concern about eating, weight gain, or the consequences of eating certain foods.
Social and Occupational Functioning:
Eating disorders can negatively impact an individual's social and occupational life. They may experience increased stress during mealtimes and in social eating situations, and their disorder may interfere with their ability to eat with others. Eating disorders can also affect a person's sense of self and their ability to function in their daily lives, including their work or school life.
Economic Impact:
In addition to the direct health consequences, eating disorders can also have significant economic impacts on individuals, their families, and society as a whole. The financial burden of treatment, including medical care, psychotherapy, and nutritional counseling, can be substantial. Additionally, eating disorders can impact a person's ability to work or study, further contributing to financial strain.
It is important to recognize the potential impact and consequences of eating disorders to seek early detection and treatment. With proper medical care and support, individuals can recover from eating disorders and resume healthy eating and emotional well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that involve an unhealthy relationship with food, exercise, or body shape. If you are concerned about your eating habits or body image, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. You can take a screening questionnaire, such as the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), and share the results with a clinician or a GP.
The signs and symptoms of an eating disorder can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms include a preoccupation with food and weight, restrictive dieting, binge eating, purging behaviours, excessive exercise, distorted body image, low self-esteem, and social isolation.
Eating disorders affect about 4% to 16% of the Australian population, with approximately one million Australians living with an eating disorder in any given year. The prevalence is highest among adolescents and young adults, particularly females aged 15 to 24 years.
Risk factors for developing an eating disorder include negative body image, perfectionism, mental health conditions, social anxiety, diet culture, genetics, environmental factors, societal pressures, and psychological factors.
If you think you may have an eating disorder, it is important to seek professional help. You can visit your doctor, call the Butterfly National Helpline at 1800 33 4673, or contact the Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV) Hub, which provides free and confidential information and support services.
