Eating Disorders

It can often be very difficult to identify if someone has an eating disorder, let alone know how or what to say to the person that you are concerned about. What we do know is that early intervention and having a multidisciplinary treatment team provides the best possible chance for overcoming the illness. Once an eating disorder develops, it can easily become entrenched and difficult to change. Therefore, if you have concerns that you or someone close to you has an eating disorder, it is important to take the issue seriously, and to seek medical advice and treatment as early as possible.

Eating disorders are characterised by two key features: disordered eating habits and disordered weight control behaviours. Disordered eating habits can include restricted food intake, strict dietary rules, preoccupation with food, and altered mealtime behaviours. Disordered weight control behaviours may involve excessive exercise, vomiting, or the misuse of laxatives or diuretics. These eating habits and behaviours are termed 'disordered' when they become harmful through extreme use.

Our dietitian's work alongside your General Practitioner and other specialists involved in your care, to provide specialised dietary treatment for people living with an eating disorder. We see both individuals and families depending on the individuals situation and follow evidence based practise when recommending treatment models. We understand that an eating disorder not only affects the individual but also those people close to them. We understand that it can be scary to seek help, so be assured that we provide a non-judgemental, confidential and supportive service aiming to help you along your journey of recovery.

If you think you might have an eating disorder, or someone you know, it is important that you/they talk to your/their General Practitioner, as there are many physical complications that can arise from being at an unhealthy low weight or from losing weight very quickly, or from purging. If you use any extreme weight control behaviours – even rarely – you should also see your General Practitioner. Extreme measures include:

  • Food restriction/fasting (and/or rapid weight loss)
  • Purging (self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics)
  • Excessive exercise

If you would like more information or to make an appointment please contact one of our office locations.

Optimum Intake Dietitians

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