Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses; they are not a lifestyle choice or a diet gone ‘too far.’

Eating disorders are associated with significant physical complications and increased mortality. The mortality rate for people with eating disorders is the highest of all psychiatric illnesses, and over 12 times higher than that for people without eating disorders.

Eating disorders occur in both men and women, young and old, rich and poor, and from all cultural backgrounds. About one in 20 Australians has an eating disorder and the rate in the Australian population is increasing.

There are three eating disorders that are recognised by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS). There is a fourth eating disorder which is also recognised by professionals and will be included in the next revision of the DSM, Binge Eating Disorder.

Eating disorders defy classification solely as mental illnesses as they not only involve considerable psychological impairment and distress, but they are also associated with major wide-ranging and serious medical complications, which can affect every major organ in the body.

• About one in 20 Australians has an eating disorder and the rate in the Australian population is rising (Hay, Mond, Buttner, Darby, 2008).
• Approximately 15% of Australian women experience an eating disorder during their lifetime.
• The mortality rate for people with eating disorders is the highest of all psychiatric illnesses and over 12 times that seen in people without eating disorders.
• Many people who have eating disorders also develop depression and anxiety disorders.
• It is common for a person with an eating disorder to also present with substance abuse problems.
• Approximately 58% of people with eating disorders present with personality disorders.

Signs and symptoms

Due to the nature of an eating disorder many of the characteristic behaviours may be concealed. A person with an eating disorder may go to great lengths to hide, disguise or deny their behaviour, or do not recognise that there is anything wrong.

A person with an eating disorder may have disturbed eating behaviours coupled with extreme concerns about weight, shape, eating and body image.

Find out more about the warning signs

Recovery is possible

Eating disorders are serious, potentially life threatening mental and physical illnesses, however with appropriate treatment and a high level of personal commitment, recovery from an eating disorder is achievable.

Evidence shows that the sooner you start treatment for an eating disorder, the shorter the recovery process will be. Seeking help at the first warning sign is much more effective than waiting until the illness is in full swing. If you suspect that you or someone you know has an eating disorder it is important to seek help immediately.

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