Eating Disorders A-Z Explained | Eating Disorders Victoria
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Eating disorders A-Z

Home ~ Eating disorders A-Z
Eating disorders are not a lifestyle choice, a diet gone wrong or a cry for attention. Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that affect approximately 1 million Australians.

Eating disorders explained

An eating disorder is a serious mental illness, characterised by eating, exercise and body weight or shape becoming an unhealthy preoccupation of someone's life.

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Key research and statistics

Find out the latest statistics and research on issues relating to eating disorders.

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Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is characterised by body image distortion with an obsessive fear of gaining weight, which manifests itself through depriving the body of food.

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ARFID

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is the sensory based avoidance, fear or restriction of certain foods, due to sensitivities to texture, smell, temperature, or appearance of the food.

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Eating disorders and LGBTIQA+ communities

People in the LGBTIQ+ community have an increased risk of developing an eating disorder. Learn about the risk factors, and how EDV can help.

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Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a serious mental illness characterised by recurrent binge-eating episodes, followed by self-induced vomiting, fasting, over-exercising and/or the misuse of laxatives, enemas or diuretics. 

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Binge eating disorder

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious mental illness characterised by regular episodes of binge eating. Binge eating involves eating an excessive amount of food, which may take place in a rapid space of time or may be more of an extended grazing. These episodes can feel chaotic, uncontrollable and highly distressing.

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Other eating disorders

Other eating disorders, such as OSFED and UFED, are not an indication of a less severe eating disorder; simply a different group of symptoms.

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Disordered eating and dieting

Disordered eating refers to a wide range of abnormal eating behaviours, many of which are shared with diagnosed eating disorders. The main thing differentiating “disordered eating” from an “eating disorder” is the level of severity and frequency of behaviours.

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Eating disorders and autism

Did you know that it's common for autistic people to have atypical eating behaviours? Learn more about the research around autism and eating disorders, including links with anorexia nervosa and ARFID.

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Eating disorders and exercise

Over exercise is a common symptom of an eating disorder. Find out how exercise can affect people with eating disorders and what should be considered when going through recovery and beyond.

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COVID-19 and eating disorders

Find out how people with eating disorders may be affected by COVID-19 and what support services are available.

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Eating disorders in men and boys

Research indicates that up to 25% of people experiencing an eating disorder are male. However, many experts believe that the number could be much higher, as the stigma surrounding eating disorders in men prevent many from seeking help.

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Eating disorders and other health conditions

Exploring the relationship between eating disorders and other health conditions, such diabetes, anxiety and depression, and the autism spectrum.

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Eating disorders in children, teens, midlife and pregnancy

Eating disorders can occur at any time: in childhood, during the teen years, during pregnancy and later in life.

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Eating disorders and substance use

There is a clear correlation between substance use and eating disorders. Find out about the risk factors, and support and treatment options.

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Medicare and eating disorders

Some people with eating disorders are able to access to an evidence-based, best practice model of treatment through Medicare which involves up to 40 subsidized sessions with a mental health clinician, and 20 with a dietitian.

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Orthorexia

A person with orthorexia experiences strong anxiety about their food choices and may worry about their diet not meeting their personal high standards of ‘purity’.

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Glossary of abbreviations

Commonly used abbreviations associated with eating disorders and mental health.

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Resources

Download fact sheets from Eating Disorders Victoria and other organisations on eating disorders, mental health and self-care.

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Rumination disorder

Rumination disorder is a serious medical condition that involves the regular regurgitation of undigested food. Left untreated it can have detrimental health consequences. Learn more about the warning signs, effects and treatment of rumination disorder.

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Elise's story - learning to nourish my soul

To my body, thank you for not giving up on me. You’re the only one I have to take me through the journey of life. The only vehicle to connect my soul to the world, to touch, taste and smell the flavours of life. I promise to care and nurture you.

Read Elise's story

Lauren's story - my anger at anorexia

I get very angry and upset about my eating disorder: what it did to me, what it took from me. It put so much strain on my body and brain and I lost so much time and freedom, having to spend so long in hospital.

Read Lauren's story