headspace Newsletter Autumn edition - Flipbook - Page 8
headspace.org.au
Finding order
with your food
This column first appeared in the BCHS
Community Newsletter and explores the fraught
relationship between behaviour and food, and
how you can support your young person.
In any given year, around 4% of Australians are living with an eating disorder, and almost one-third
of these are young people aged 10-19. Eating disorders are often undetected, can take years to be
formally diagnosed, and as high as 3 in 4 people who meet criteria for an eating disorder do not
seek professional help.
A vast proportion of the population is also engaging in disordered eating behaviours and practices
that don’t meet the threshold for an eating disorder. Disordered eating is a larger and more
complex issue, with many behaviours minimised or even normalised (think skipping meals,
avoiding foods, and fasting for long periods with the intention of weight loss or maintenance).
Young people and disordered eating in Australia
ABS data shows that in 2023, 18-19 year olds are eating 774kj less than they were in 2011-2012.
Only 50% of young people surveyed ate breakfast every day.
Over 1 in 3 adolescents are engaging in disordered eating behaviours in any given year.
Major factors for young people and eating disorders
Dieting is one of the strongest precursors for developing an eating disorder. Obsession and
restriction around food are all concerning behaviours and can worryingly be masked as “clean
eating and lifestyle choices.” Body image is another major driver for young people to engage in
dieting or disordered eating, with 80 per cent of young women reporting they fear “getting fat”.
Other risk factors for eating disorders can include:
Physical health conditions that require dietary modification (such as coeliac disease and diabetes).
Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety (in particular social anxiety and OCD).
Neurodiversity (such as ADHD and ASD).
Lead the way for young people
Set the example to promote healthy eating behaviours and body image by:
Focusing on food function: So, when discussing food intake talk to how different foods provide different
nutrients and how it can fuel the body (for example, improving focus, energy levels and stamina). Avoid
linking food choices with weight gain or loss.
Being neutral about body image: While being positive about your young person’s appearance is not a
bad thing it places importance on how they look. This can make natural body changes and transitions
more difficult when they happen. Similarly to above, focus on performance, function and strength when
discussing people’s bodies.
Practising what you preach: If you are skipping meals, not prioritising your intake and talking negatively
about your body it creates a confusing narrative and normalises these behaviours to anyone listening.
Promoting regular, intuitive and mindful eating: Eating a meal or snack every 3-4 hours you’re awake
is recommended, so try limiting distractions and sitting down together to eat.
If you need it, support is available via eheadspace seven days a week from 3pm–10pm
(AEDT) or call 1800 650 890.
