About Eating Disorders

What is an eating disorder?

An eating disorder is a serious mental illness that affects the way a person thinks about food, eating, and their body. Eating disorders are not a lifestyle choice, a phase, or a sign of weakness. They are complex conditions with biological, psychological, and social factors, and they can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, cultural background, or body size.

In Australia, more than one million people are living with an eating disorder at any given time. Many more experience disordered eating patterns that cause significant distress but may not meet the criteria for a formal diagnosis. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, which is why early recognition and effective treatment are so important.

If you are reading this page, you may be trying to understand what you or someone you care about is going through. Recognising what is happening is an important first step, and seeking support can make a real difference to recovery.

Types of eating disorders

Eating disorders take many forms. While Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa are the most widely known, they represent only part of the picture. Here is an overview of the main types:

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa involves persistent restriction of food intake leading to significantly low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted view of body shape or size. It is one of the most well-known eating disorders but is often misunderstood. Anorexia affects people of all ages, genders, and body types. Within the group of people experiencing Anorexia Nervosa, 80% are female, though it can affect anyone.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa is characterised by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours such as purging, restricting or excessive exercise. People with Bulimia often experience intense shame and secrecy around their eating patterns. Bulimia can affect people at any body weight and you can’t tell if someone is suffering by looking at them.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) involves regular episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control, distress, guilt, or shame. Unlike Bulimia, BED does not involve regular compensatory behaviours. It is the most common eating disorder in Australia and affects people across all body sizes. BED is not simply overeating; it involves a compulsive quality and significant psychological distress.

OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder)

OSFED is a diagnosis for eating disorders that cause significant distress but do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for Anorexia, Bulimia, or Binge Eating Disorder. OSFED is just as serious as other eating disorders and accounts for a substantial proportion of all eating disorder cases. It includes conditions such as purging disorder, night eating syndrome, and low-frequency Bulimia or Binge Eating.

ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)

ARFID involves a persistent avoidance or restriction of food that leads to significant nutritional deficiency, weight loss, or impaired daily functioning. Unlike Anorexia, ARFID is not driven by concerns about body weight or shape. It can affect people of all ages and is often linked to sensory sensitivities, fear of choking or vomiting, or a general lack of interest in eating.

Other eating disorders

Other recognised forms of disordered eating include Orthorexia (an unhealthy obsession with eating only foods considered “healthy” or “pure”), night eating syndrome, and purging disorder. Each of these conditions can cause significant physical and psychological harm and may benefit from specialist treatment.

Recognising the signs of an eating disorder

Eating disorders can be difficult to recognise, especially in the early stages. They do not always involve visible weight loss, and many people with eating disorders appear outwardly healthy. Being aware of the signs across different areas of life can help with early identification.

Physical signs

Weight changes:

Noticeable weight loss or gain, or frequent fluctuations in weight.

Fatigue and weakness:

Low energy, dizziness, feeling faint, or difficulty concentrating.

Digestive problems:

Bloating, constipation, nausea, or stomach pain.

Hormonal changes:

Irregular or absent menstrual periods, or reduced sex drive.

Dental problems:

Tooth erosion, sensitivity, or decay (particularly with purging behaviours).

Hair and skin:

Hair loss, dry skin, or the development of fine body hair (lanugo).

Emotional and behavioural signs

Preoccupation with food:

Constant thoughts about food, calories, weight, or body shape.

Anxiety around meals:

Avoiding social eating, creating food rules, or expressing distress about mealtimes.

Withdrawal:

Pulling away from friends, family, and activities previously enjoyed.

Mood changes:

Increased irritability, anxiety, low mood, or emotional volatility.

Secrecy:

Hiding food, eating in private, or becoming defensive about eating habits.

Rigid exercise:

Compulsive or excessive exercise, especially as compensation for eating.

What causes eating disorders?

Genetic and biological factors: Research shows that eating disorders run in families and involve differences in brain chemistry, hormones, and metabolism.
Psychological factors: Personality traits such as perfectionism, anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulty managing emotions can increase vulnerability.
Life experiences: Trauma, bullying, abuse, significant life changes, and experiences of loss or grief can contribute.
Social and cultural factors: Societal pressure around body image, diet culture, and the influence of social media all play a role.

It is important to understand that eating disorders are not caused by vanity, poor willpower, or bad parenting. They are complex illnesses that deserve compassion and professional support.

What are the effects of an eating disorder?

Eating disorders affect every aspect of a person’s health and wellbeing. The longer a condition goes untreated, the more severe these effects can become.

Physical effects

The physical consequences of eating disorders can be serious and in some cases life-threatening. They may include malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies, heart problems and cardiovascular complications, osteoporosis and bone density loss, dental erosion and decay, digestive system damage, hormonal disruption, impaired immune function, and kidney or liver damage.

Psychological effects

People living with an eating disorder may experience depression, anxiety, social isolation, difficulty in relationships, impaired concentration and academic or work performance, and an overwhelming sense of shame or self-blame.

Social effects

Eating disorders can significantly impact a person’s social life and relationships. Withdrawal from friends and family, avoidance of social situations involving food, and the secrecy that often surrounds disordered eating can lead to increasing isolation.

When should you seek help?

If eating, food, or body image is causing you or someone you care about distress or affecting daily life, it is worth speaking with a health professional. You do not need to be underweight or visibly unwell to deserve support. Eating disorders exist across all body sizes, and early support can prevent the condition from worsening.

A good first step is to speak with your GP, who can assess the situation and make a referral. You can also contact Wandi Nerida directly to speak with an advisor about your circumstances.

Getting support

Wandi Nerida is Australia’s first residential treatment centre dedicated to eating disorders, located on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. We provide intensive, evidence-based care for eating disorders, with programs lasting 60 to 90 days. Our multidisciplinary team includes psychologists, psychiatrists, dietitians, nurses, and recovery navigators, many of whom have their own lived experience of recovery.

Whether you are seeking help for yourself, supporting a loved one, or are a health professional exploring referral options, our team is here to help.

Take the next step

If you would like to learn more about treatment at Wandi Nerida, or if you are not sure where to start, our advisors can talk you through your options. Conversations are confidential and there is no obligation.