Eating disorders are not about weight
People with eating disorders can be any weight and do not have to be underweight to be suffering the effects of starvation. Most people with eating disorders are in the healthy weight range or above.
Eating disorders don’t discriminate
It doesn’t matter how old you are, eating disorders can affect anyone at any age. Certain age-groups are more at-risk —particularly teenagers. Young people who develop eating disorders have a significantly heightened risk of long-term physical and mental complications so it’s essential we shift the trajectory as early as possible.
Regardless of your age or stage of the disorder, progress is possible and leads to significant positive impacts for your health and quality of life.
Eating Disorders are complex
There is no single cause of an eating disorder. Biological, psychological and social factors all play a part, in varying degrees, for different people. Research has shown that genetics play a significant role and in those with a genetic vulnerability, an eating disorder is usually triggered by a period of the body receiving inadequate nutrition.
The high value that our society places on appearance and admiration of extreme thinness has resulted in dieting being a normalised behaviour. For vulnerable individuals dieting may be the gateway to an eating disorder.
Additionally, there are specific personality traits that research indicates can increase the likelihood of developing an eating disorder, such as perfectionism, low self-worth or impulsivity.
Environmental factors, such as experiencing a past or present trauma or involvement in high-risk activities such as gymnastics, dancing or modelling, also increase the risk of eating disorders.
Although the causes are many and varied, we know that people with eating disorders often use food and the control of food in an attempt to compensate for feelings and emotions that may otherwise seem overwhelming.
Esus Centre prioritises early intervention and the delivery of evidence-based treatments that target all aspects of an eating disorder: thoughts, emotions and behaviours as well as addressing underlying causes, and replacing maladaptive coping strategies with more functional ones.
A comprehensive treatment plan is essential for enduring recovery.
Common Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa involves extreme restriction of food intake, leading to significant weight loss and a distorted body image.
Bulimia Nervosa
People with bulimia engage in binge eating episodes followed by purging behaviours such as self-induced vomiting, laxative misuse or excessive exercise.
Binge eating disorder
Binge eating disorder includes recurrent episodes of excessive food consumption without compensatory behaviours.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
ARFID is a type of eating disorder that arises when a person restricts the types and quantity of food they eat due to sensory issues or a fear of the negative consequences that may occur if they eat, such as choking or vomiting. However, these fears are often excessive and can lead to severe weight loss and nutritional deficiencies, similar to Anorexia Nervosa. Unlike Anorexia Nervosa, ARFID is not associated with a desire to lose weight or a fear of weight gain.
Eating disorders can be treated.
Whether you have a diagnosis or need early intervention for an emerging eating disorder, Esus Centre provides treatment for all eating disorders through group programs and individual or family therapy.
Our treatment programs incorporate evidence-based therapies, nutritional restoration and careful monitoring of physical health.
