Eating disorders and body image
If someone you know seems unusually preoccupied with food and their weight, has strange eating rituals or sneaks off to the bathroom straight after meals, they might be dealing with an eating disorder.
There are many different types of eating disorders from mild through to severe cases that can have dramatic health consequences and even result in death. Treatment is available to help people with disordered eating to develop a healthy attitude towards food and in turn lead healthier lives.
While many people have heard of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, there are several other eating disorders that often come under the name 'other specified feeding and eating disorders' (OSFED). These generally refer to people who might have many of the symptoms of one or more types of eating disorder, but who don't meet all the criteria for a diagnosis of any single disorder.
Head to Health, an online gateway funded by the Australian Government that can help you find free and low-cost, trusted phone and online mental health resources, including information about eating disorders. Or find out more below.
Eating disorders
An eating disorder is a mental health condition. It involves an unhealthy relationship with food. Find out about the different eating disorders here.
Anorexia nervosa
People with anorexia nervosa have an irrational fear of gaining weight and put themselves on restrictive diets and harsh, punishing exercise routines.
Binge-eating disorder (BED)
Binge-eating disorder (BED) often involves someone eating large amounts of food even after they feel full. Discover more about BED here.
Body dysmorphic disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder causes someone to feel shame or disgust with part of their body or appearance. Any body part can become its focus.
Body image
An unhealthy body image affects your wellbeing and mental health, and may lead to eating disorders. Here are a few tips for improving body image.
Bulimia nervosa
It's not unusual to be concerned about body image or diet, but using extreme weight loss methods can lead to eating disorders, like bulimia nervosa.
