Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental health conditions that affect over 1 million Australians at any given time. They’re not just about food—they often stem from emotional distress, low self-esteem, and a need for control in overwhelming situations.

Signs and Symptoms

Eating disorders can look different from person to person, but common signs include:

• Preoccupation with food, eating, weight or body shape

• Restrictive eating or rigid food rules

• Binge eating or compensatory behaviours like vomiting or over-exercising

• Withdrawal from social situations involving food

• Mood changes, anxiety, or depression

• Physical symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or digestive issues

Importantly, someone doesn’t need to “look sick” to be struggling.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder where a person becomes deeply afraid of gaining weight and may go to extreme lengths to control their food intake, often resulting in significant weight loss. Despite being underweight, they may have a distorted view of their body and feel as though they are overweight. This can lead to serious health issues, both physically and emotionally, including fatigue, dizziness, fainting, anxiety, and depression. Treatment involves a combination of therapy, nutritional support, and medical care to help address both the body and mind. With support, recovery is possible, and individuals can begin to rebuild a healthier relationship with food and themselves.

Binge eating disorder is an eating disorder where a person frequently feels out of control during episodes of overeating, often consuming large amounts of food in a short time. These episodes are often followed by feelings of guilt, shame, or distress. Unlike other eating disorders, those with binge eating disorder don't try to compensate through behaviors like purging or excessive exercise. Over time, it can lead to weight gain and health challenges, as well as emotional struggles like anxiety or depression. Treatment, which includes therapy and nutrition support, helps individuals address both the emotional and physical aspects of the disorder.

Bulimia Nervosa (BN)

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder identified by recurring episodes of binge eating, followed by behaviours to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or fasting. This disorder can have severe physical and emotional consequences, including electrolyte imbalances, heart issues, and gastrointestinal problems. Mental health plays a key role, as individuals may experience feelings of shame, guilt, and anxiety around food. Bulimia nervosa can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Treatment typically involves a combination of therapy, nutritional counselling, and medical support.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), is an eating disorder characterised by a limited range of foods being consumed, often due to sensory sensitivities, fear of choking or vomiting, negative past experiences with food and disinterest in food. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID doesn't involve concerns about body weight or appearance. People with ARFID may avoid certain textures, smells, or colors of food, which can make eating challenging and lead to nutritional deficiencies. It can affect people of all ages, from children to adults, and may sometimes be mistaken for picky eating. ARFID can impact peoples physical health, growth, social engagement and emotional well being. Treatment for ARFID often involves therapy to address the underlying fears or anxieties around food and adequate nutrition management.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED), is a category for eating disorders that don't fully fit the criteria of more well-known disorders like anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder but still cause significant distress and health concerns. People with OSFED may experience harmful eating behaviors, such as restricting food, binge eating, or purging, but these behaviors may not occur in the patterns typically seen in other eating disorders. For example, someone with OSFED might engage in disordered eating behaviors that don’t meet the exact frequency or intensity required for a formal diagnosis but still struggle with negative thoughts and emotions related to food. Treatment for OSFED are similar to other eating disorders, they would include intervention with therapy, nutrition and medical monitoring, to improve their relationship with food.

Recovery: Treatment and Therapy options