Eating Disorders

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are not a lifestyle choice or a diet that has gone too far. An eating disorder is a serious mental health condition that can also affect your physical health. Disordered eating involves an unhealthy relationship or obsession with food, exercise, weight or body shape.

Over a million people in Australia have an eating disorder, but less than 25% get treatment or support. Without treatment, eating disorders can be very dangerous. But with the right treatment and support, recovery is possible.

Types of eating disorders

There are different types of eating disorders. The most common are:

Binge eating disorder (BED)

Almost half of all eating disorders in Australia are BED. This is when someone regularly binges (eats a large amount of food in a short time even if they aren’t hungry). People with BED tend to diet or fast to make up for their binges, as they don’t vomit (purge) their food.

Bulimia nervosa (aka bulimia)

This is when a person binges and then tries to ‘get rid’ of the food usually by vomiting, taking laxatives or diet pills, or doing lots of exercise. Bulimia makes up about 12% of eating disorders in Australia.

Anorexia nervosa (aka anorexia)

This is when a person believes their body looks different to what it does. People with anorexia have an excessive fear of gaining weight and may believe they are overweight. However, they are often severely underweight due to restricting food, refusing to eat, or exercising too much.

Other specified feeding and eating disorders (OSFED)

Someone with OSFED has some symptoms of disordered eating but their symptoms don’t match a specific eating disorder. Around 30% of people who seek treatment for an eating disorder have OSFED.

Signs of an eating disorder

Recognising whether someone has an eating disorder can be challenging. However, key signs include:

Physical signs

  • fluctuations in weight or rapid weight loss

  • irregular periods or loss of periods

  • dizziness or feeling faint

  • feeling tired

  • being cold, even in warm weather

  • problems with tooth enamel caused by frequent vomiting

Behaviours

  • eating in secret

  • skipping meals or making excuses for not eating

  • eating a limited diet

  • binging on food

  • constantly counting calories or measuring food

  • using the toilet during or immediately after eating to vomit

  • frequent exercise

  • using diet pills or laxatives to lose weight

  • frequently checking in the mirror and focusing on your flaws

  • withdrawing from social events, especially where there is food

  • wearing baggy clothes when you may not have done so in the past

Feelings

  • feeling very sensitive about your body

  • having a distorted body image

  • feeling guilty, ashamed or anxious about your eating

  • feeling out of control around food

  • fearful about gaining weight

  • obsession with weight, food or exercise

  • using food as comfort or self-punishment

  • feeling anxious if you can’t exercise

What causes eating disorders?

People of any shape and size can have an eating disorder. These conditions can arise due to a plethora of factors. The following risk factors have been identified:

Biological and genetic

  • family history of eating disorders

  • being overweight in childhood

  • periods that begin before 12 years of age

psychological and behavioural factors

  • frequent dieting

  • low self-esteem

  • body dissatisfaction

  • being a perfectionist

  • being neurodiverse

  • previous trauma or abuse

sociocultural factors

  • problems with relationships

  • having high expectations placed on you

  • being bullied

  • unrealistic images portrayed in mass media.

Those who are at higher risk of developing an eating disorder are:

  • females

  • children and teens

  • gender and sexually diverse people.

How are eating disorders diagnosed?

There is no single way to diagnose an eating disorder. Diagnosis is based upon a physical examination (which may include urine and blood tests), and a psychological evaluation by a doctor. You may also be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your eating habits, beliefs and behaviours.

Treatment for eating disorders

As each eating disorder is different, treatment will vary from person to person. Usually, a team of professionals such as a doctor, psychologist and dietitian will be involved. Some of the treatment options may include:9

psychological therapies such as:

  • cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)

  • cognitive analytic therapy (CAT)

  • dialectical behaviour therapy

Other treatments include

  • family approaches which involve educating and supporting the whole family

  • nutritional education

  • medication

Sometimes it may be necessary for someone with an eating disorder to be treated in hospital.

There are also many online therapies you can try. You can learn more about these at the Australian Government’s Head to Health website.

Complications of eating disorders

Eating disorders can lead to serious complications. They can cause physical health conditions due to lack of nutrition, and problems with growth and development. They can also lead to:

  • depression and anxiety

  • social and relationship problems

  • difficulty at school or work

  • substance abuse disorders

  • suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

Eating disorders can be fatal if ignored and left untreated in severe circumstances.

When to see the doctor

It’s important to seek treatment for eating disorders. Getting help as early as possible greatly reduces the severity, duration and impact of an eating disorder. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, make an appointment with your doctor.

How can I support someone with an eating disorder?

If you think someone you know may have an eating disorder, there are ways you can support them. You can:

  • learn about eating disorders before approaching the person

  • plan when you’re going to speak to them and make sure it’s in a private and quiet environment

  • talk one-on-one with them, rather than with a group of people

  • tell them why you’re concerned

  • avoid focusing on weight, appearance or food — focus on their overall health and wellbeing

  • be prepared that they may be angry, emotional or defensive

  • reassure them that you are there to help, not judge

  • help them get the support they need by encouraging them to see their doctor

There are also several services you can reach out to for support:

Your local MediADVICE pharmacist is available to help with your health. We can recommend products that may be right for you and provide support. We can also refer you to a doctor if necessary.

Find your nearest store

Sources:

1, 2, 6, 9, 11Butterfly, Eating disorders explained,https://butterfly.org.au/eating-disorders/eating-disorders-explained/
3Healthdirect, Eating disorders,https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/eating-disorders
4Mayo Clinic, Eating disorders,https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20353603
5Healthdirect, Eating disorders,https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/eating-disorders
7Healthdirect, Eating disorders,https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/eating-disorders
8Better Health Channel, Eating disorders,https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/eating-disorders
9Mayo Clinic, Eating disorders,https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20353603
12Beyond Blue, How to talk to someone you’re worried about,https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/support-someone/how-to-talk-to-someone-you-re-worried-about

‎

General advice only – this information should not replace the information provided to you by your health care professional. If symptoms are severe or persist, please speak to your health care professional. Information current as of date of publishing.