Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that affect people of all ages, genders and backgrounds.
Rates of eating disorders have increased significantly over the past decade for both men and women. These illnesses have devastating impacts on physical health, mental wellbeing and social functioning and tragically have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
There is no single cause of an eating disorder. Instead, a range of biological, psychological and social factors interact to increase risk.
What Causes Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders develop due to a complex combination of factors, which may include:
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Genetic vulnerability
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Personality traits such as perfectionism or high self-criticism
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Psychological stress or trauma
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Sporting environments with a focus on weight or appearance
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Cultural and societal pressures
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Body image concerns
Media exposure through television, magazines and social media often promotes unrealistic body ideals for both women and men. These messages can contribute to body dissatisfaction, dieting behaviours and disordered eating patterns, which may increase the risk of developing an eating disorder.
It is also important to recognise that people can experience significant distress around food and body image without meeting strict diagnostic criteria.
How Are Eating Disorders Diagnosed?
Eating disorders are diagnosed by trained health professionals using established clinical criteria. However, many people experience harmful eating behaviours or body image concerns that still require support, even without a formal diagnosis.
Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is characterised by restriction of food intake leading to significant weight loss, alongside an intense fear of weight gain or becoming “fat”.
Subtypes may include:
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Restricting type
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Binge-eating or purging type
People may use behaviours such as excessive exercise, vomiting or other compensatory behaviours to manage fear around food or weight.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa involves recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by behaviours aimed at preventing weight gain.
These behaviours may include:
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Self-induced vomiting
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Use of laxatives or diuretics
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Excessive exercise
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is characterised by recurrent binge eating episodes, which may involve:
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Eating more rapidly than normal
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Eating until uncomfortably full
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Eating large amounts when not physically hungry
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Eating alone or in secret
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Feelings of guilt, shame or distress after eating
Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders (OSFED)
OSFED is diagnosed when someone experiences significant eating disorder symptoms but does not meet full criteria for another diagnosis.
This is very common, with around 30 percent of people receiving eating disorder treatment diagnosed with OSFED. It includes disordered eating behaviours, body image distress and fear of weight gain and should always be taken seriously.
Treatment and Recovery From Eating Disorders
Recovery from an eating disorder is challenging, but it is absolutely possible.
The recovery process looks different for everyone and often involves a multidisciplinary approach. Early steps can feel uncomfortable and may bring up feelings of anxiety, fear, anger or distress. Individualised care is essential.
Treatment may include:
Psychological therapy
Psychotherapy with a psychologist or specialised counsellor helps address thoughts, emotions, behaviours and patterns around food, body image and self-worth.
Family-based therapy
Often used for children and adolescents, family therapy involves the whole family supporting recovery in a structured and compassionate way.
Medical care
Regular medical monitoring by a GP is vital to manage physical health complications and ensure medical stability during recovery.
Medication
Medication may be prescribed by a doctor to support co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, alongside other treatments.
Dietetic support
Working with a dietitian specialised in eating disorders supports nutritional rehabilitation, the development of regular eating patterns and a healthier relationship with food.
Early Intervention Matters
Eating disorders are estimated to affect up to 16 percent of the Australian population.
Dieting, rigid food rules and disordered eating behaviours can be early warning signs. Early intervention improves recovery outcomes, making awareness and timely support crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eating Disorders
What is the difference between disordered eating and an eating disorder?
Disordered eating refers to unhealthy or distressing behaviours around food, weight or body image that do not always meet diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder. An eating disorder is a clinically diagnosed mental illness. Both deserve support and early intervention, as disordered eating can progress into a diagnosed eating disorder if left unaddressed.
Can someone have an eating disorder at any body size?
Yes. Eating disorders can affect people of all body sizes, genders and ages. Body weight alone does not indicate the presence or severity of an eating disorder. Many people experience serious medical and psychological consequences regardless of how their body looks.
What are early warning signs of an eating disorder?
Early signs may include rigid food rules, increased anxiety around eating, avoidance of social meals, body dissatisfaction, dieting behaviours, guilt after eating or compulsive exercise. Recognising and addressing these signs early can improve recovery outcomes.
Can athletes develop eating disorders?
Yes. Athletes can be at increased risk, particularly in sports that emphasise weight, leanness or performance outcomes. Under-fuelling, chronic dieting and body image pressure can contribute to disordered eating and eating disorders in sporting environments.
How are eating disorders treated?
Treatment usually involves a multidisciplinary approach including psychological therapy, medical care and dietetic support. Recovery is individual and may take time. Early, tailored support is associated with better long-term outcomes.
How can a dietitian help with eating disorder recovery?
A dietitian trained in eating disorders supports nutritional rehabilitation, regular eating patterns and rebuilding trust with food. This work is collaborative, flexible and centred on the individual rather than rigid meal plans.
What should I do if I am worried about someone?
If you are concerned about a friend or family member, approach the conversation with care, curiosity and without judgement. You do not need to diagnose or fix the problem. Encouraging professional support and sharing resources can be a helpful first step.
Supporting Someone With an Eating Disorder
Starting a conversation about eating disorders can feel daunting.
If you are concerned about a friend or family member, approaching the topic with empathy, curiosity and without judgement is important. You do not need to have all the answers. Encouraging professional support can make a meaningful difference.
Eating Disorder Support and Resources
The Butterfly Foundation has more information and resources that can help better understand eating disorders and give support.
Reach Out have an Australia wide support list for eating disorders.
If you are struggling with food, body image or eating behaviours, you do not have to manage it alone. Nutrition consultations can provide personalised support in a safe, non-judgemental space, alongside other healthcare professionals when needed.