EATING DISORDER AWARENESS

What are Eating Disorders?​

Eating disorders come in many different forms, all of which are extremely serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses. They impact a person’s physical, mental, and overall wellbeing.

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While the characteristics of each type of eating disorder vary, they generally involve disturbances in thoughts and feelings around body weight or shape, and/or disruptions in a person’s relationship with food and eating.

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Research from 2023 indicates that approximately 1.1 million people in Australia were experiencing an eating disorder — a 12% increase from 2012. This equates to about 1 in 23 Australians.

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There is no single type of person who develops an eating disorder. Eating disorders do not discriminate by gender, weight, height, sexuality, or cultural background — they can affect anyone.

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People may develop an eating disorder for many reasons, influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Certain individuals may be at higher risk due to these factors.

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Just as there are factors that increase susceptibility, there are also protective factors that may reduce the likelihood of developing an eating disorder. These include:

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Individual protective factors:

• Body acceptance

• A healthy relationship with food and eating

• Media literacy

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Family protective factors:

• Supportive family environment

• Healthy communication and role modelling

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Socio-cultural protective factors:

• Positive peer influences

• Inclusive community norms

• Reduced exposure to harmful media messages​​​​

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Stigma and Misconceptions Around Eating Disorders​

There are many misconceptions about eating disorders, often due to a lack of awareness and understanding. These misunderstandings can contribute to stigmatising attitudes and beliefs.

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Some of the common misconceptions and myths around eating disorders include:

• "An eating disorder is a lifestyle choice" 

• "Dieting is a normal part of life"

• “You can tell if someone has an eating disorder just by looking at them.”

• “Eating disorders are a phase or a cry for attention.”

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Eating disorders often attract more stigma than other mental health conditions. Societal stigma, combined with the experiences of people living with an eating disorder, can lead to shame and isolation. This stigma can reduce a person’s willingness to seek help, delay access to necessary support and treatment, and potentially increase the severity and duration of the disorder.​

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What can you do?​

• Create a safe place for honest and open conversations about not only eating disorders but any mental health challenges with those around you 

• Increase your own awareness, educate yourself and others on the disorder

• Recognise the challenges those living with an eating disorder may face

• Show compassion and empathy 

• Be conscious of your language. Use affirming and inclusive terms and avoid using stigmatising language that perpetuates feelings of shame or guilt around eating, shape and weight

• Be inclusive of anyBODY

• Try educate others if you see or hear something that is feeding into the stigma and misconception 

• Shop at BEYOND THE LABEL - CLOTHING FOR CHANGE (apparently they make some cool stuff that supports this sort of thing...) and choose to support eating disorder awareness with your purchase 

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References:

• National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC). (n.d.). Risk & Protective Factors. Retrieved September 25, 2025, from https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorders/eating-disorders-explained/risk-and-protective-factors

• National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC). (n.d.). Stigma and Eating Disorders. Retrieved September 25, 2025, from https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorders/eating-disorders-explained/stigma