Eating Disorders in Australia

Eating Disorders and Their Prevalence in Australia from a Psychologist Perspective

As a psychologist, I have seen first-hand how Eating Disorders can impact individuals and families across Australia. At OM Psychology, our mission is to offer evidence-based support and raise awareness about Eating Disorders in Australia. This blog post will explore the types, causes, and rising prevalence of Eating Disorders in Australia, as well as effective treatment options available through Psychology.

What Is an Eating Disorder? Understanding the Basics with a Psychologist

An Eating Disorder is a severe mental health condition affecting how individuals relate to food, body image, and self-esteem. Eating Disorders are not lifestyle choices—they are complex illnesses influenced by genetics, psychological and social factors, and environmental stressors. As a Psychologist I’m committed to educating the community about the real risks and symptoms of Eating Disorders in Australia.

Main Types of Eating Disorders Treated by Psychologists

  • 1. Anorexia Nervosa (AN)

    • Core Features: Persistent restriction of food intake leading to significantly low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and disturbance in how one’s body weight/shape is experienced.

    • Risks: Malnutrition, osteoporosis, cardiac complications, and potentially fatal outcomes if untreated.

    2. Bulimia Nervosa (BN)

    • Core Features: Recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviours to prevent weight gain (e.g., vomiting, laxatives, excessive exercise).

    • Risks: Electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal issues, dental erosion, and increased risk of heart problems.

    3. Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

    • Core Features: Recurrent episodes of binge eating without regular compensatory behaviours.

    • Risks: Often associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and significant psychological distress.

    4. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

    • Core Features: Restrictive eating not motivated by body image concerns, but due to lack of interest in eating, sensory sensitivities (e.g., texture, smell), or fear of aversive consequences (e.g., choking, vomiting).

    • Risks: Nutritional deficiencies, growth issues in children, and social/functional impairments.

    5. Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)

    • Core Features: Clinically significant symptoms of an eating disorder that don’t fully meet criteria for AN, BN, BED, or ARFID.

    • Risks: Often just as severe as full-threshold disorders, but sometimes under-recognised.

    6. Pica

    • Core Features: Persistent eating of non-nutritive, non-food substances (e.g., paper, soil, chalk).

    • Risks: Intestinal obstruction, poisoning, infections.

Eating Disorders in Australia: Prevalence and Rising Concerns

The latest national synthesis estimates 1.1 million Australians (≈4.5%) are living with an eating disorder at any point in time, and 10.5% will experience one across their lifetime—figures that have risen markedly over the past decade.

At OM Psychology, we identify several factors related to the rise of Eating Disorders in Australia:

  • Social media and diet culture perpetuate unrealistic body standards, increasing Eating Disorder risk.
  • Genetic and psychological vulnerabilities, such as perfectionism and family history, are common in a Psychologists clients with Eating Disorders.
  • Past trauma and chronic stress often contribute to the development of Eating Disorders in Australia.
  • Limited access to early Eating Disorder intervention remains a challenge that OM Psychology is working to overcome.

How OM Psychology Treats Eating Disorders in Australia

As a Psychologist at OM Psychology uses a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to Eating Disorder treatment in Australia, including:

  • Psychological therapy such as Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Family-Based Therapy (FBT), proven effective for Eating Disorders in Australia.
  • Peer and community support, plus resources from trusted organisations like the Butterfly Foundation, Centre for Clinical Intervention (CCI) and NEDC, recommended by OM Psychology for Eating Disorder care.

Barriers to Eating Disorder Treatment in Australia

  • Stigma and lack of awareness about Eating Disorders remain persistent obstacles.
  • Access to specialist care, especially in regional Australia, is limited—OM Psychology is committed to bridging this gap.
  • Financial barriers and insufficient insurance coverage can prevent early intervention for Eating Disorders in Australia.

OM Psychology’s Commitment to Prevention and Education

  • Working as a Psychologist to actively promote mental health literacy to prevent Eating Disorders.
  • We encourage community conversations to destigmatise Eating Disorders in Australia.
  • OM Psychology listen to and learn from those with lived Eating Disorder experience.

Oliver has recently been awarded the ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential, issued by the Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED) and can be found on the mental health practitioner directory of the Butterfly Foundation as a recommended Psychologist.