An eating disorder is characterised by obsessive thoughts about food and body weight. People with eating disorders may limit the amount of food they eat (anorexia nervosa), eat lots of food in a very small time and then purge (bulimia) or regularly eat too much (compulsive overeating).
Obsessive thoughts about food and body weight can change eating patterns (dieting, making excuses not to eat, avoidance of social situations involving food, going to the bathroom straight after meals), mood (feeling depressed, irritable or anxious), daily activities (not wanting to go out socially, exercising excessively, spending a lot of time talking about appearance or weight or looking in the mirror) and appearance (wearing baggy clothes, losing or gaining weight, greasy or dry hair and skin).
What are the signs?
The signs of an eating disorder include:
- dramatic weight loss (anorexia)
- dramatic weight gain/loss (bulimia or compulsive overeating)
- obsession or preoccupation with food
- refusing to eat
- complaining of being overweight
- overexercising
- uncharacteristic eating patterns (e.g. eating at different times of the day or eating abnormal amounts given to them)
What are the causes?
There is no single cause for eating disorders. It is thought that a number of factors are involved to varying degrees in different people, including: genetic inheritance, personal and psychological factors related to adolescence or family issues and social factors such as media representation of body image.
It is estimated that approximately 2 in every 100 people will develop some kind of eating disorder at some time in their lives - that is, approximately 200,000 Australians. While anyone can have an eating disorder, more females than males tend to be affected, particular teenage women.
How are eating disorders treated?
Eating disorders can be treated successfully. As eating disorders effect the person physically and psychologically, it is usually most helpful to treat them with a team of professionals including psychiatrists, dieticians, psychologists, nurses and others.
Source of information: SANE Australia
Worried About Someone Else?
The following information is from the Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria.
Determining if someone has an eating disorder can sometimes be difficult, especially if the person is secretive about his or her behaviour. However, if you have any concerns that something might be wrong, it is better to try and broach the issue with the person, rather than ignore it. There are no ‘right' or ‘wrong' ways to do this, however, there are some points to consider:
- Communicate with the person. Be honest and open about your concerns.
- Try to maximise the chances of a positive conversation. Use your knowledge of the person when deciding which is the best way to approach them.
- Assure them that you are talking about their eating disorder because of your concern for their well-being.
- Use ‘I' statements rather than ‘you' statements. ‘you' statements can make the person feel like they are being attacked.
- Offer information, so that the person has something to read later, perhaps a brochure or a list of services.
- Try to avoid using labelling or judgemental language. Focus on the person's behavioural changes, rather than their weight, food consumption or physical appearance.
- Choose a time when you are both feeling calm and are unlikely to have any distractions. Pick a safe and comfortable place to talk.
- Be prepared for their emotional reaction, which may be one of anger, denial or relief.
- Encourage them to seek professional help from counsellors, doctors, youth workers, community health centres, associations such as the EDFV.
- Encourage them to seek support from anyone they feel comfortable with; friends, family, friend's parents etc.
- Encourage them to see the benefits of a life without an eating disorder.
- Seek support for yourself.
Helpful Sites
Need Help Now?
Emergency Assistance
000 Emergency Assistance
National emergency assistance number for ambulance, police and fire response.
000
Lifeline Australia
Lifeline provides 24-hour confidential telephone counselling to anyone within Australia.
13 11 14
Suicide Helplines
Contacts for 24hr response services in each state for those feeling suicidal and for those supporting someone feeling suicidal.
Vic - 1300 651 251
NSW - 1300 363622 or 02 9331 2000
Qld - 07 3831 9016 or 1300 363 622
WA - 1800 198 313 or 1800 676 822
SA - 131465 or 1800 182 232
Tas - 1300 364 566
ACT - 1800 629 354 or 02 6205 1065
NT - 1800 019 116
Talk to someone now
Eating Disorders Helpline in your State.
Western Australia to come.
NSW - 02 9412 4499
Victoria - Metro 03 98850318, non-metro 1300 550 236
Queensland - (07) 3394 3661
South Australia - (08) 8332 3466. Tasmania - 1800 675 028
Kids Help Line
Kids Help Line is a free, confidential and anonymous, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.
1800 551 800
Lifeline Australia
Lifeline provides 24-hour confidential telephone counselling to anyone within Australia.
13 11 14
SANE Helpline
SANE Australia provides a Helpline service Monday to Friday 9:00am-5:00pm EST providing information about symptoms, treatments, medications, where to go for support and help for carers.
1800 18 SANE (7263)
Get support online now
Kids Helpline
Kids Help Line is a free, confidential and anonymous, 24-hour telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.
University Support Services
Find your local university support services, by selecting your state, and then the name of your university.
