Eating Disorders are often misunderstood, yet they are far more common than many people realise. They are not simply about food or appearance—they are complex experiences that can affect how a person thinks, feels, and relates to themselves and others. People of all ages, genders, cultures, and backgrounds can be affected, and no two experiences look exactly the same (Butterfly Foundation and National Eating Disorders Collaboration, NEDC)). For many people, difficulties with eating begin gradually. What may start as dieting, striving for control, managing emotions, or trying to improve performance can slowly become overwhelming and harder to manage. Over time, thoughts about food, exercise, body image, or weight can begin to take up more mental and emotional space, affecting health, relationships, confidence, and daily life.
There are several different types of eating disorders, each with their own challenges and experiences.
Anorexia Nervosa involves significantly restricting food intake, often alongside an intense fear of gaining weight or difficulty recognising the seriousness of weight loss. People living with anorexia may appear highly disciplined or driven on the outside, while internally experiencing anxiety, fear, or distress around eating and body image. Without support, the body can become undernourished, affecting energy levels, concentration, bone health, heart function, and overall wellbeing (Butterfly Foundation).
Bulimia Nervosa is characterised by cycles of eating large amounts of food followed by attempts to “compensate” through behaviours such as vomiting, over-exercising, or strict restriction. These behaviours are often accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame, or loss of control. Bulimia can place strain on both physical and emotional health, affecting digestion, dental health, hydration, and mood (InsideOut Institute).
Binge-Eating Disorder (BED) involves episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period while feeling unable to stop or control the behaviour. Unlike bulimia, these episodes are not followed by compensatory behaviours. Many people with BED experience distress, embarrassment, or self-criticism, often eating in secret or feeling isolated. Over time, this can impact both physical health and emotional wellbeing (NEDC).
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is different from disorders driven by body image concerns. People with ARFID may avoid foods because of sensory sensitivities, fear of choking or discomfort, or limited interest in eating. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and difficulties with growth, development, energy, and social participation, especially in children and adolescents (InsideOut Institute).
Some people may experience eating difficulties that do not fit neatly into one diagnosis but still have a significant impact on their health and quality of life. These experiences are recognised under Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) and are just as valid and important to address (Butterfly Foundation).
While eating disorders can look different from person to person, there are some common signs that someone may be struggling. These can include becoming highly focused on food, weight, exercise, or appearance; withdrawing socially; developing rigid eating habits or routines; experiencing changes in mood or anxiety; or struggling with self-esteem and body image.
Eating disorders rarely develop because of one single reason. Instead, they are usually influenced by a combination of factors. Genetics, personality traits such as perfectionism or sensitivity, life experiences, stress, social pressures, and cultural expectations can all play a role. For some people, an eating disorder may become a way of coping with difficult emotions, uncertainty, or a need for control (NEDC).
The good news is that recovery is possible. With the right support, people can rebuild a healthier relationship with food, movement, and themselves. Recovery is not always a straight line, and it looks different for everyone, but early support can make a meaningful difference.
Treatment may involve psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), nutritional support, medical care, and family or social support. Importantly, recovery is not simply about changing eating behaviours—it is also about understanding the emotional needs underneath them and helping people reconnect with their values, identity, and wellbeing (InsideOut Institute).
A compassionate and non-judgemental support network can have a powerful impact. Family members, friends, coaches, teachers, and healthcare professionals all play an important role in creating safe environments where people feel supported rather than criticised.
There are several different types of eating disorders, each with their own challenges and experiences.
Anorexia Nervosa involves significantly restricting food intake, often alongside an intense fear of gaining weight or difficulty recognising the seriousness of weight loss. People living with anorexia may appear highly disciplined or driven on the outside, while internally experiencing anxiety, fear, or distress around eating and body image. Without support, the body can become undernourished, affecting energy levels, concentration, bone health, heart function, and overall wellbeing (Butterfly Foundation).
Bulimia Nervosa is characterised by cycles of eating large amounts of food followed by attempts to “compensate” through behaviours such as vomiting, over-exercising, or strict restriction. These behaviours are often accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame, or loss of control. Bulimia can place strain on both physical and emotional health, affecting digestion, dental health, hydration, and mood (InsideOut Institute).
Binge-Eating Disorder (BED) involves episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period while feeling unable to stop or control the behaviour. Unlike bulimia, these episodes are not followed by compensatory behaviours. Many people with BED experience distress, embarrassment, or self-criticism, often eating in secret or feeling isolated. Over time, this can impact both physical health and emotional wellbeing (NEDC).
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is different from disorders driven by body image concerns. People with ARFID may avoid foods because of sensory sensitivities, fear of choking or discomfort, or limited interest in eating. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and difficulties with growth, development, energy, and social participation, especially in children and adolescents (InsideOut Institute).
Some people may experience eating difficulties that do not fit neatly into one diagnosis but still have a significant impact on their health and quality of life. These experiences are recognised under Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) and are just as valid and important to address (Butterfly Foundation).
While eating disorders can look different from person to person, there are some common signs that someone may be struggling. These can include becoming highly focused on food, weight, exercise, or appearance; withdrawing socially; developing rigid eating habits or routines; experiencing changes in mood or anxiety; or struggling with self-esteem and body image.
Eating disorders rarely develop because of one single reason. Instead, they are usually influenced by a combination of factors. Genetics, personality traits such as perfectionism or sensitivity, life experiences, stress, social pressures, and cultural expectations can all play a role. For some people, an eating disorder may become a way of coping with difficult emotions, uncertainty, or a need for control (NEDC).
The good news is that recovery is possible. With the right support, people can rebuild a healthier relationship with food, movement, and themselves. Recovery is not always a straight line, and it looks different for everyone, but early support can make a meaningful difference.
Treatment may involve psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), nutritional support, medical care, and family or social support. Importantly, recovery is not simply about changing eating behaviours—it is also about understanding the emotional needs underneath them and helping people reconnect with their values, identity, and wellbeing (InsideOut Institute).
A compassionate and non-judgemental support network can have a powerful impact. Family members, friends, coaches, teachers, and healthcare professionals all play an important role in creating safe environments where people feel supported rather than criticised.
Eating Disorders and Sport
Sport and physical activity can provide many benefits for health, confidence, and connection. However, athletes can also face unique pressures around performance, body shape, weight, and expectations. In some sporting environments, these pressures may increase the risk of disordered eating or unhealthy relationships with food and exercise (Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) - Disordered Eating in Sport).
When the body does not receive enough fuel to support both training and everyday functioning, physical health can suffer. Athletes may experience fatigue, slower recovery, frequent illness, stress fractures, reduced concentration, or changes in mood and motivation. Performance often declines when the body is under-fuelled, even when someone is training harder. Long-term low energy availability can lead to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), a condition that affects many systems in the body, including hormones, metabolism, bone health, immune function, and cardiovascular health (AIS).
Athletes may also experience emotional challenges linked to perfectionism, fear of failure, or pressure to maintain a certain physique. Female athletes may notice changes in menstrual health, while male athletes can experience pressure related to muscularity or appearance. These experiences can affect confidence, enjoyment of sport, and overall wellbeing (Eating Disorder Hope).
Creating healthy sporting environments means focusing on wellbeing as much as performance. Coaches, families, teammates, and healthcare professionals all play a role in encouraging balanced nutrition, adequate recovery, positive body image, and open conversations about mental health (NEDC Pdf).
Seeking support early can help athletes continue participating in sport safely while protecting both their physical and emotional health.
Sport and physical activity can provide many benefits for health, confidence, and connection. However, athletes can also face unique pressures around performance, body shape, weight, and expectations. In some sporting environments, these pressures may increase the risk of disordered eating or unhealthy relationships with food and exercise (Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) - Disordered Eating in Sport).
When the body does not receive enough fuel to support both training and everyday functioning, physical health can suffer. Athletes may experience fatigue, slower recovery, frequent illness, stress fractures, reduced concentration, or changes in mood and motivation. Performance often declines when the body is under-fuelled, even when someone is training harder. Long-term low energy availability can lead to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), a condition that affects many systems in the body, including hormones, metabolism, bone health, immune function, and cardiovascular health (AIS).
Athletes may also experience emotional challenges linked to perfectionism, fear of failure, or pressure to maintain a certain physique. Female athletes may notice changes in menstrual health, while male athletes can experience pressure related to muscularity or appearance. These experiences can affect confidence, enjoyment of sport, and overall wellbeing (Eating Disorder Hope).
Creating healthy sporting environments means focusing on wellbeing as much as performance. Coaches, families, teammates, and healthcare professionals all play a role in encouraging balanced nutrition, adequate recovery, positive body image, and open conversations about mental health (NEDC Pdf).
Seeking support early can help athletes continue participating in sport safely while protecting both their physical and emotional health.
Resources and further Information:
For anyone seeking support, information, or guidance, the following organisations provide evidence-based resources and assistance:
Butterfly Foundation: – Support, education, recovery resources, and a national helpline for eating disorders in Australia.https://butterfly.org.au/
InsideOut Institute – Clinical information, research, treatment guidance, and support pathways for eating disorders. https://insideoutinstitute.org.au/
National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC) – Evidence-based resources, fact sheets, and education for individuals, families, schools, and professionals. https://nedc.com.au/
Australian Institute of Sport – Disordered Eating in Sport – Information and practical guidance about eating disorders and RED-S in athletes and sporting environments. https://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/disorderedeating
Eating Disorder Hope – Athletes and Eating Disorders – Articles and educational resources exploring the relationship between sport, body image, and eating disorders. https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/risk-groups/eating-disorder-athletes
NEDC Sport and Fitness Resource (PDF) – A practical guide for supporting healthy relationships with food, exercise, and body image in sport and fitness settings.disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect a person’s relationship with food, body image, and overall wellbeing. They can have serious physical and emotional impacts, but with the right support, recovery is possible. https://nedc.com.au/assets/NEDC-Resources/NEDC-Resource-Sport-and-Fitness.pdf?2026050622
For anyone seeking support, information, or guidance, the following organisations provide evidence-based resources and assistance:
Butterfly Foundation: – Support, education, recovery resources, and a national helpline for eating disorders in Australia.https://butterfly.org.au/
InsideOut Institute – Clinical information, research, treatment guidance, and support pathways for eating disorders. https://insideoutinstitute.org.au/
National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC) – Evidence-based resources, fact sheets, and education for individuals, families, schools, and professionals. https://nedc.com.au/
Australian Institute of Sport – Disordered Eating in Sport – Information and practical guidance about eating disorders and RED-S in athletes and sporting environments. https://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/disorderedeating
Eating Disorder Hope – Athletes and Eating Disorders – Articles and educational resources exploring the relationship between sport, body image, and eating disorders. https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/risk-groups/eating-disorder-athletes
NEDC Sport and Fitness Resource (PDF) – A practical guide for supporting healthy relationships with food, exercise, and body image in sport and fitness settings.disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect a person’s relationship with food, body image, and overall wellbeing. They can have serious physical and emotional impacts, but with the right support, recovery is possible. https://nedc.com.au/assets/NEDC-Resources/NEDC-Resource-Sport-and-Fitness.pdf?2026050622