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BodyMatters Australasia provides counselling and treatment for eating and dieting disorders, body image issues and problematic exercise. Our team of experienced therapists deliver treatment that is industry leading and best practice. If you are suffering from disordered eating, want to improve your relationship with your food and/ or exercise, or are concerned about a loved one exhibiting any of these concerns, we can help you. We offer a range of customised services including counselling, support groups, and events.
Email: info@bodymatters.com.au
P: (+612) 9908 3833
The Recovery Roadmap: Guide to Understanding and Managing Eating Disorders
It is totally possible to overcome an Eating Disorder and fully recover, and it all starts with taking the first step and asking for help. Early intervention is key - it can dramatically reduce the disorder's severity and duration. So, take action right away if your loved one shows any signs of an Eating Disorder. Don't wait for their situation to worsen before getting the support they need. 


You can be confident that their recovery is possible. 
A Guide to Eating Disorders Treatment
A graceful butterfly emerging from a cocoon, symbolizing growth, transformation, and the journey of recovery from eating disorders.
Eating Disorder recovery is unique to each individual. Two people with the same Eating Disorder may respond differently to treatment.


There are different evidence-based treatments for Eating Disorders. These aren't normally one-size-fits-all. Recovery usually requires a combination of treatments.


Multidisciplinary treatments include self-help, various complementary or allied therapies, family therapy, general medicine, dietetics, nutrition, and psychiatry.
Below, we outline the variety of treatments available for managing and overcoming Eating Disorders.


    

  1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
    CBT is like a toolbox that gives children skills to manage their thoughts and behaviours. It helps them recognise how their thoughts influence their feelings and actions related to food, body image, and self-esteem.
    2. 

  2.  Family-Based Treatment (FBT)
    In FBT, parents and caregivers become key members of the recovery team. With our guidance, you'll learn how to help your child eat healthily and safely at home, which is where most recovery happens.
    3. 

  3.  Nutritional Counselling
    Think of this as food education. Our dietitians teach your child about healthy eating patterns, guiding them towards making nutritious choices and developing a balanced relationship with food.
    4. 

  4.  Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
    DBT equips children with skills to cope with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships. It's like a roadmap helping them navigate feelings and behaviours related to their disorder.
    5. 

  5.  Medication
    Sometimes, medicine can help, especially if your child is dealing with Anxiety or Depression alongside their Eating Disorder. 
    (Our highly experienced team will explain all the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.)
    6. 

Our commitment at BodyMatters is to provide you and your loved one with a personalised treatment plan, designed to meet their unique needs. Together, we can navigate this journey towards health and well-being.
to learn more or to schedule a consultation
We're here to support your loved one every step of the way.
Treatment for an Eating Disorder often focuses on making behavioural changes to improve health and wellbeing first, before focusing on the underlying causes of the Eating Disorder. It can take years to develop insight and understanding into why you or your loved one has developed an Eating Disorder. Sometimes, even in recovery, individuals do not fully understand why they developed an Eating Disorder.
Source: InsideOut Institute
How Can We Help?
At BodyMatters Australasia, our highly experienced team combines the comprehensive and evidence-based treatment to treat Eating Disorders and is equipped with relevant knowledge and skills to educate communities about these conditions. Our multidisciplinary team comprises nutritionists, dietitians, psychologists, and paediatricians who have dedicated their careers to helping individuals navigate the challenges of Eating Disorders.
How Can I Discuss Eating Disorders with My Child?
A compassionate mother embracing her daughter as she opens up about her struggle with an eating disorder, symbolizing support, understanding, and the healing power of familial love.
You'll find a wealth of valuable resources here, designed with you in mind.
To learn more how we can help you or your loved one
Every parent wants their child to be happy and healthy. So, when the signs of an Eating Disorder start to show up it can be frightening. Moreover, Eating Disorders often involve denial. This could cause discussing concerns with a child difficult. Empathy, honest information regarding Eating Disorders, and your unfailing support are essential to this delicate topic. 


Here are some tips for talking to your child about Eating Disorders.


    

  • Educate Yourself First. Before you talk with your child about a mental health condition, it's important to understand the disorder yourself. This will help you avoid misconceptions and provide factual information
    • 

  • Choose an Appropriate Time and Place. Make sure that you have enough time to talk, and find a quiet spot where there aren't any distractions.
    • 

  • Express Concern, Not Blame. To start the conversation, express your love and concern for your child. Try not to blame them; let them know that you've noticed changes in their behaviour and are worried about their health.
    • 

  • Use "I" Statements. Instead of saying "You are...", say "I've noticed that...". This can help to prevent your child from feeling accused or defensive.
    • 

  • Listen and Be Open. Your child might feel scared, embarrassed, or defensive. Encourage them to share their feelings and thoughts without interrupting them.
    • 

  • Avoid Focusing on Food and Weight. It might be tempting to discuss specific eating habits or weight issues, but it's best to focus on health and feelings. Eating Disorders are more about emotions and control than they are about food.
    • 

  • Avoid Offering Simple Solutions. Saying things like "Just eat more" or "Just stop" is unlikely to be helpful. Instead, acknowledge that Eating Disorders are complex and can be difficult for your child.
    • 

  • Suggest Professional Help. Emphasise that it's okay to seek help and that many people do. Offer to support them in finding and accessing professional help, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or a nutritionist specialising in Eating Disorders.
    • 

Treatment for an Eating Disorder often focuses on making behavioural changes to improve health and wellbeing first, before focusing on the underlying causes of the Eating Disorder. It can take years to develop insight and understanding into why you or your loved one has developed an Eating Disorder. Sometimes, even in recovery, individuals do not fully understand why they developed an Eating Disorder.
Source: InsideOut Institute
What are the Common Early Signs of Developing an Eating Disorder in Your Child?
    

  1. Your child is having persistent worries or complaints about being fat or the need to lose weight.
    Many people begin to feel self-conscious about their bodies during puberty; in particular, girls tend to become acutely aware of how they measure up physically against others starting at around age 9 or 10. When you hear your child or teen repeatedly compare his or her physical self to others, it may be cause for concern.
    2. 

  2. Your child’s diet patterns and behaviour in relation with food changes.
    Pre-teens and teens who engage in disordered eating often start by changing their diet. You may notice a shift from wanting to eat healthy foods or becoming vegetarian, for example. They might be obsessed with their diet and weight, fearing that specific foods are responsible for gaining weight.
    3. 

  3. Your child is starting to engage in excessive exercise.
    You may notice that your child is interested in exercising more intensely, and possibly for longer periods of time than they used to. If they've played sports in the past, you may not think it's unusual.
    4. 

  4. Your child is hiding food or eating secretly.
    Teens with Bulimia Nervosa or Binge Eating Disorder may hide and eat food in their rooms, cars, or elsewhere. Binge episodes can cause embarrassment, guilt, and shame. Bulimic teens may hide vomit bags. This is concerning, so talk to your child and get all the appropriate assessments and treatment promptly.
    5. 

  5. Your child gains or loses weight rapidly.
    When your child has an Eating Disorder, you may observe unusual weight changes. Growing children gain weight normally. Shifting from "normal" weight gain or loss patterns can be a warning.
    6. 

  6. Your child starts to skip family meal gatherings.
    Some children refuse to eat with their family members or ask to be served in their bedrooms. Others select and stall with the plate instead of eating.
    7. 

  7. Your child, in her pre-teen and teen stages of development, may experience irregular menstrual cycles. For both male and female teens, they may have puberty issues.
    For individuals going through puberty, a change in how puberty goes can be a sign of an eating problem. If the female hasn't had her period for at least three months in a row, that can also be a sign of an eating problem. Talk to your primary care doctor or an expert in Eating Disorders about your worries and ask for their assessment.
    8. 

to learn more how we can help you or your loved one
What are the Different Types of Eating Disorders?
Common types of Eating Disorders are Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).
Anorexia Nervosa
Individuals with Anorexia typically eat very little, leading to extremely low body weight. They may think about food or calories a great deal because of an intense fear of weight gain. They consider themselves to be fat, even when they are very thin.
Binge Eating Disorder

Individuals with Binge Eating Disorder often eat faster than other people. They may eat in secret so others won't see how much food they consume. They eat more food than they need and feel uncomfortable after eating. They may gain a lot of weight.
Bulimia Nervosa
Individuals with bulimia nervosa regularly engage in binge eating, followed by purging or using laxatives to control their weight.


 
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID Eating Disorder)
For individuals with ARFID, food is not interesting or enjoyable; they tend to avoid eating because of concerns about smell, taste, or texture. They don't have Anorexia, Bulimia, or another medical problem that would explain their eating behaviours.
Resources
Empower yourself with knowledge and support. Dive into BodyMatters Australasia's comprehensive resources page.  Click here to access now!


Eating Disorders don't come with a manual - but we've got the next best thing. Dive into SupportWise, your essential guide to aiding your loved one on their recovery journey. Equip yourself. Stand strong. Click here to enroll in our courses and be the pillar of support they need!
Educating yourself and supporting your child or loved one can spark hope and help them overcome eating problems.