We help people develop and grow with life's challenges

Eating & Body Image

About eating and body image

Eating and body image concerns range from dissatisfaction and dieting to clinically significant eating disorders. In Australia, a 2019 Deloitte Access Economics report for the Butterfly Foundation estimated around 1 million people (about 4% of the population) were living with an eating disorder.

How eating and body image concerns can show up

  • Body dissatisfaction: Persistent worry about weight, shape, or appearance.
  • Restrictive eating: Skipping meals, rigid rules, or fear of certain foods.
  • Binge eating: Episodes of eating large amounts of food with a sense of loss of control.
  • Compensatory behaviours: Purging, over-exercise, or other behaviours to "undo" eating.
  • Emotional regulation: Using food or control as a way to manage emotions or stress.
  • Physical and social impact: Fatigue, health changes, or withdrawal from social eating situations.

Further information about eating and body image concerns

  • Anorexia nervosa: Restriction and fear of weight gain with significant health impacts.
  • Bulimia nervosa: Cycles of bingeing and compensatory behaviours.
  • Binge eating disorder: Recurrent binge eating without compensatory behaviours.
  • ARFID: Avoidant or restrictive intake that is not primarily driven by body image.
  • Body dysmorphic concerns: Intense focus on perceived flaws in appearance.

Self-help ideas for eating and body image

  • Work toward regular, flexible eating patterns.
  • Reduce body checking and comparison where possible.
  • Curate social media to include body-neutral or body-positive content.
  • Seek supportive conversations with trusted people.
  • Focus on body function and wellbeing over appearance.

When to see a psychologist or counsellor

Support can be important when eating or body image concerns feel overwhelming or risky.

  • Food, weight, or body concerns dominate daily life.
  • There are binges, purging, or rigid restriction patterns.
  • Health, energy, or mood is deteriorating.
  • Social life or relationships are being avoided because of eating concerns.

How we help with eating and body image

  • Evidence-based psychological therapy tailored to your needs.
  • Support to build a healthier relationship with food and body image.
  • Skills for emotion regulation, self-compassion, and stress management.
  • Collaboration with GPs or dietitians when appropriate.