Recognising Risks and Warning Signs of Eating Disorders
Do you have a challenging relationship with food, eating, or your body image? Do you feel guilt or shame when it comes to food or eating?
You may have an eating disorder – but help is available.
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. They often arise as a way of coping with difficult emotions, trauma, or a desire for control. For many individuals, the disordered eating behaviours are symptoms of deeper psychological distress — not a choice, attention-seeking, or vanity.
KEY POINTS
Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental health conditions. Early intervention significantly improves outcomes.
They are not always visible. Many people with eating disorders do not appear underweight.
These illnesses often co-occur with anxiety, depression, or trauma.
Support and recovery are possible. Evidence-based psychological therapies can help restore physical health and emotional well-being.
What is an Eating Disorder?
An eating disorder is a psychological condition marked by disturbances in eating behaviour and related thoughts and emotions. This may include severe restriction of food intake, binge eating, purging behaviours, or compulsive exercise.
According to the Butterfly Foundation, 4.5% of the population in Australia currently lives with an eating disorder, while 10.5% have experienced such a disorder at some point in their lives. Even more concerning, the incidence of EDs in Australia has increased by 21% since 2012.
Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Involves severely restricting food or caloric intake due to a fear of gaining weight and/or distorted self-image (thinking one is “fat”). Malnutrition and starvation trigger changes in the brain, making it difficult for the person to recognise that they are unwell.
Binge Eating Disorder
The most common ED in Australia. Eating large amounts of food (or believing it was a large amount of food) in a short time even when not feeling hungry, followed by pervasive feelings of regret, guilt, shame, or depression. Purging is not involved.
Bulimia Nervosa
Frequently eating large amounts of food in a short time, then purging by either vomiting, using laxatives, or excessively exercising. These behaviours usually occur in secret and often begin during or after dieting.
More information about eating disorders can be found here.
What Might Cause an Eating Disorder?
There is no single cause of an eating disorder. Instead, they are the result of an interplay of genetic, biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. These might include:
Difficulties with emotion regulation
Perfectionism and high achievement expectations
Low self-esteem
A history of trauma or bullying
Family or cultural attitudes toward food and body image
Neurodivergent traits such as cognitive rigidity or sensory sensitivities
Common Signs to Look Out For
Preoccupation with food, dieting, exercise, or body image
Withdrawal from friends, family, or usual activities
Rigid routines around food and eating
Rapid weight loss or weight fluctuations
Mood changes, irritability, or fatigue
Compensatory behaviours (e.g. vomiting, excessive exercise)
Difficulty concentrating or maintaining academic/work performance
It is important to note that eating disorders don’t always involve visible weight loss — and someone can be seriously unwell regardless of their appearance.
Help for eating disorders is available.
Hope and Help: The Path to Recovery
Eating disorder recovery is possible. Many people fully recover with the right support and intervention — and others experience significant improvements in their physical and emotional well-being. Recovery looks different for everyone, and it’s okay for it to take time.
Evidence-based therapies such as Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E), Family-Based Therapy (FBT) for adolescents, and trauma-informed care can be very effective. Nutritional support, medical monitoring, and collaboration with family or a support network are also often crucial.
Reach Out for Eating Disorder Support in Melbourne
At Reach Psychology, our clinicians provide thoughtful, individualised care for people experiencing eating disorders and related mental health difficulties.
Located in the Bayside area of Melbourne (Hampton/Brighton) and also available via Telehealth, our team of eating disorders psychologists can work with individuals, families, and multidisciplinary care providers.
If you're concerned about yourself or someone you love, reaching out can be the first step toward healing.
You are not alone. Recovery is possible.