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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What is an eating disorder?

    Related Topics
    Eating Disorders Mental Health
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    The Butterfly Foundation

    The Butterfly Foundation was founded in August 2002 by Claire Vickery who found many ‘gaps’ in the public health system for those experiencing eating disorders. … View Profile

    An eating disorder is a serious mental illness that involves preoccupation with control over one’s body weight, shape, eating and exercising. It can be a way of dealing with underlying unresolved emotional and psychological issues. An eating disorder is not a lifestyle choice.

    There are four different types of eating disorders, all with different characteristics and causes.
    Eating disorders can affect anyone. They do not discriminate by age, sex or race.
    The incidence of eating disorders in the total population is 2‐3% and increasing, while the average age of onset is decreasing. Eating disorders affect more women than men, however
    eating disorders may be underdiagnosed in men due to them being less likely to seek help for an illness that is often seen to only be a ‘women’s issue.’.

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