How do you recognise an eating disorder?
Despite over a million Australians estimated to currently be experiencing an eating disorder, many of us can find them difficult to recognise. Myths and stigma surrounding eating disorders can also hinder accurate diagnosis and treatment.
By Clinical Psychologist Sinead Day
Types of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders involve disturbances in behaviours, thoughts, and feelings about our bodies, food, and eating. They can take many forms, with diagnoses including binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, and other specified or unspecified feeding or eating disorder. However, many individuals experience disordered eating symptoms without meeting criteria for a diagnosis. These symptoms can lead to distress, difficulty engaging in normal work/study or social activities, low self-esteem, and harmful physical effects on the body.
Although representations of eating disorders in the media often focus on young women, eating disorders occur in all age groups and genders. Men continue to be less likely to receive an accurate diagnosis, but they can experience similar eating disorder symptoms as women or other patterns of symptoms such as the obsessive pursuit of a muscular body rather than thinness.
Recognising an Eating Disorder
There are many different warning signs of eating disorders that you can look out for, with signs varying depending on the type of eating disorder and the individual. These warning signs can include:
Physical warning signs:
Noticeable weight fluctuations
Heightened sensitivity to cold
Stomach upset/digestive issues
Signs of frequent vomiting (e.g., bumps on knuckles, dental issues)
Fatigue/low energy
Fainting or dizziness
Psychological/emotional warning signs:
Preoccupation with food, such as an excessive focus on calories, dieting, or eating/avoiding specific food groups
Dissatisfaction with one’s body shape or size, or heightened sensitivity to comments about body shape/weight
Intense focus on losing weight, putting on muscle, or looking a certain way
Feelings of anxiety or irritability, particularly at mealtimes
Using food to soothe painful emotions
Being upset or irritable if you’re unable to exercise or follow your diet plan
Classifying foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’
Persistent feelings of low mood, anxiety, guilt, and shame
Behavioural warning signs:
Going on strict diet plans, counting calories, fasting, or cutting out whole food groups without medical advice
Eating in secret or avoiding eating in certain social contexts
Isolating oneself from friends and family
Frequently checking one’s body size or weight using mirrors, scales, or other forms of measurement
Deliberately going hungry or doing extra exercise to make up for eating more during special occasions
Large amounts of food going missing or other evidence of binge eating
Frequent trips to the bathroom during or after meals to vomit or use laxatives
Rituals around food and eating, e.g., cutting food into tiny pieces, eating foods in a particular order, using only small plates/bowls, eating very slowly
Cooking or buying food for others without eating it themselves
Wearing long/baggy clothes even when it’s not cold
Steroid use to increase muscularity
Treating Eating Disorders
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, there are various treatment options available that have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms. These treatments can include different types of psychological therapy including CBT-E (enhanced cognitive behavioural therapy for eating disorders) and FBT (family-based therapy). Psychological treatments can be provided by a psychologist or clinical psychologist who has received training in the treatment of eating disorders.
Individuals experiencing eating disorders can access up to 40 Medicare-rebated sessions with a psychologist per year through an Eating Disorder Plan. These plans also allow you to access Medicare-rebated sessions with a dietitian for additional support around food/eating. To see if you are eligible, speak to your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician.
Information and Resources
For more information and resources around eating disorders, support is available through the Butterfly Foundation website and helpline, and the National Eating Disorders Collaboration:
Butterfly national helpline: 1800 334 673
Individuals experiencing eating disorders can access up to 40 Medicare-rebated sessions with a psychologist per year through an Eating Disorder Plan. These plans also allow you to access Medicare-rebated sessions with a dietitian for additional support around food/eating. To see if you are eligible, speak to your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician.
Life Matters Disclaimer
All content in our article is published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional psychological advice and should not be relied on as personal advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified psychologist with any questions you may have regarding your mental health.
Sources
National Eating Disorders Collaboration. Eating Disorders in Australia, 2021. Download here
Butterfly Foundation. About Medicare Eating Disorder Plans. Access here
