Eating disorders more common than we think

EATING disorders are far more common across Australia than many might realise, with experts revealing about one in 20 people live with an eating disorder at any given time.

In the latest episode of Women Out Loud, a podcast by Surf Coast Women’s Health Group, physiotherapist Courtney Weybury and GP Dr Niamh Logue spoke with accredited practising dietitian Kate van Berkel to explore this often misunderstood issue.

“Eating disorders go well beyond food. They are psychological conditions where eating behaviours are used to cope with deep emotional distress,” Dr Logue said.

“Often it is misunderstood. People think ‘Just eat’, but for someone with an eating disorder, food is tied up with intense guilt, shame or fear.”

Van Berkel explained eating disorders can have serious impacts at different life stages. They might affect growth and key milestones in children, or lead to obsessive food rules and body checking in adults.

“It might start with cutting out food groups or avoiding social situations. There is often a lot of guilt around food and negative self-talk about their bodies,” she said.

While many assume eating disorders mainly affect teenagers, the team pointed to a second spike in midlife, particularly around perimenopause when weight naturally shifts.

“These are frequently underdiagnosed. Many still think eating disorders only happen to underweight people, but that is simply not true,” Dr Logue said.

Physical signs can include stress fractures, lost periods in teens, low iron, dizziness or frequent bathroom visits after meals. All of these can be signs something deeper is going on.

Van Berkel stressed the protective power of shared meals.

“Avoiding family meals or wanting to eat alone can be a red flag. It is also common to see a stacking of restrictive diets which may look healthy at first but quickly become dangerous.”

The hosts urged people not to wait for a crisis to get help.

“Do not hold off until it is really severe. There is no threshold for suffering,” Dr Logue said.

Eating disorder care usually involves a team that includes a GP, psychologist and dietitian. Medicare Eating Disorder Management Plans can help reduce the cost of more intensive support.

Van Berkel pointed to resources like the Butterfly Foundation, Eating Disorders Victoria and Inside Out, which also have helpful online screening tools.

“Recovery is absolutely possible,” she said. “And for family and friends, it is about removing judgment, staying patient and reminding them they are not alone.”

The new episode of Women Out Loud on eating disorders is out now.

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