Eating disorders

What​ ​is​ ​an​ ​eating​ ​disorder?

It’s more than just eating too little or too much. It’s when someone has an unhealthy preoccupation with eating, exercising, or their body size or shape.

Here’s what you need to know about eating disorders:

• Eating disorders can’t be identified by someone’s size or shape
• Both males and females of any age can develop an eating disorder
• Eating disorders are not a lifestyle choice, a diet gone wrong or a cry for attention
• Sometimes eating disorders develop as a way for someone to feel in control of emotions or something that is happening in their life
• Eating disorders can have a lifelong impact on someone’s health
• Eating disorders are very serious and it’s important to get support
• Help is available and recovery is possible

How to tell if your relationship with food is becoming unhealthy

You may notice changes in your:

Recognising the signs and symptoms

Here are some of the most common warning signs and symptoms

Changes in your appearance:

• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Appearing tired and sluggish
• Changes in your clothing style
• Changes in your hair, skin and nails

Changes in emotions:

• Unhappy with your body shape or size
• Feeling anxious, upset or guilty after eating
• Moody, irritable or have low energy
• Nervous or out of control around food
• Feeling sensitive when people are talking about food or weight

Changes in the way you behave:

• Stealing or hiding food
• Feeling faint, dizzy or weak
• Exercising often or excessively
• Vomiting after meals or using laxatives
• Eating in secret or avoiding eating with others
• Dieting, overeating, fasting or changing the way you eat
• Feeling cold all the time – even in warm weather

Changes in the way you think:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Intense fear of gaining weight
• Distorted view of your body
• Worrying about what you eat or the way you eat
• Finding it hard not to focus on food, eating or body weight

Who can help?

If you’re concerned about your eating habits, it’s important to seek support as soon as possible.

Here's who can help:

You're not alone

With help you can start to change your relationship with food.

If​ ​you​ ​notice​ ​any​ ​of​ ​these​ ​signs​ ​or​ ​you’re​ concerned about​ ​your​ ​eating​ ​and exercise​ ​habits​ ​–​ ​we’re​ ​here​ ​to​ ​help. 

Give​ ​us​ ​a​ ​call,​ ​start​ ​a​ ​WebChat​ ​or​ ​email​ ​us​ ​today.

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