Eating disorders affect both the body and the mind. They are not just about eating—body weight and shape concerns become an unhealthy focus of someone's life, but often this is just a way of avoiding or covering up other issues that they may not want to face. Eating disorders are most commonly experienced by young women and teenage girls, but also occur in guys. Eating disorders can affect people of all ages and from all backgrounds.

Types of eating disorders

Anorexia Nervosa: an obsession with weight loss, controlling the amount of food you eat, starving yourself, being afraid of food and eating, distorted body image—thinking of and seeing yourself as "fat" when you are not "fat".

Bulimia Nervosa: binge eating—eating heaps of food in a short time, losing control, feeling ashamed and then throwing up food, using laxatives or diet pills, exercising too much or going on strict diets.

Binge Eating Disorder: constantly eating too much, eating more food than you need to.

Other eating disorders: there are lots of unhealthy patterns and habits around food and eating, and not all of these are easy to name or define. You or your friend may do some of these things some of the time, or go through periods of unhealthy eating patterns and then feel okay for a while. Just because there is no name or clear list of symptoms doesn't mean that there is no problem—these conditions are still very serious and need treatment.

Eating disorders can be overcome—many people who have suffered from eating disorders have been able to deal with stuff and live happy, healthy lives. But it's important to seek help and support early—this can stop really serious problems from developing. Look out for yourself and your friends—be aware of warning signs: unhealthy eating patterns, rapid weight loss, constantly talking about food, eating or being "fat"—and don't be afraid to talk about what is going on and ask for help.

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Signs and symptoms

It is not uncommon for people developing or suffering from an eating disorder to hide it from their family and friends. Their behaviour—things they say and do—can be the first sign that there is something wrong. Not all people with an eating disorder are thin—weight loss is not the only sign! Some people exhibit may show many signs of a disorder, others will only show a few.

Warning signs of an eating disorder include:

What to do if you think you have an eating disorder

If you think you may have a problem, it is important that you get professional help and support from others. You may like to start by telling a friend, a brother or sister, your mum or dad or a doctor. Recovery may be slow while you learn to approach food in a more positive way, and understand the reasons for your behaviour, but the effort will be well worth it.

Telling someone

Telling someone can be very difficult especially for the first time. You may feel embarrassed, guilty or ashamed. You might also be worried about how the person might react.

What to do if you think someone you know has an eating disorder

What should I say?

When you think someone you know might have an eating disorder, it is difficult to know what to do. It is ok to approach someone with your concerns but don't push or get upset if they don't want to talk about it, just try to be there for them until they do want to talk about it.

Tips for talking to someone:

More information

This fact sheet was developed for Somazone by the Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria. Copyright © 2005 Australian Drug Foundation.

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