Eating Disorders

Eating disorders affect many people in Australia and the world. According to the Butterfly Foundation, an estimated 9% of the Australian population will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives. This shows just how important it is to understand and address disordered eating.

What exactly is an eating disorder?

An eating disorder is a mental illness that involves a distorted relationship with food. It involves abnormal or disturbed eating habits that can lead to serious health problems, both physically and mentally. Eating disorders can affect people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds, and require professional help for treatment and recovery.

What are three common types of eating disorders?

There are three common types of eating disorders and each is characterised by specific symptoms and behaviours, but they all share a common theme: a distorted relationship with food.

Anorexia nervosa 

This involves the extreme restriction of food intake, leading to dangerously low body weight. Individuals with anorexia have a distorted body image and often see themselves as overweight, even when they are severely underweight. They may also engage in excessive exercise and use laxatives or diuretics to control their weight.

Bulimia nervosa

Quite the opposite of anorexia, bulimia usually involves a cycle of binge eating followed by the compensation of purging, fasting or excessive exercise. Individuals with bulimia often feel a lack of control over their eating and may feel guilty or ashamed after a binge.

Binge eating

This involves recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time, followed by feelings of shame, guilt and distress. Unlike bulimia, people with binge eating disorders don’t engage in purging, fasting or excessive exercise afterwards.

Why should I speak to a professional?

Eating disorders often lead to serious side effects such as complications with other medical conditions or mental health issues, however recovery from an eating disorder is absolutely possible with the right treatment.