Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders: A Specialised Support at One Central Health
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can affect people of all ages, genders, body sizes, and backgrounds. They are not a choice, a phase, or about vanity – they are complex conditions influenced by psychological, biological, and social factors.
Early recognition and support can make a significant difference.
What is an Eating Disorder?
Eating disorders involve persistent disturbances in eating behaviours and thoughts about food, body, or weight that impact physical health, emotional wellbeing, or daily functioning.
They can present in different ways and may look different from person to person.
Common Types of Eating Disorders
Below are some of the more commonly recognised eating disorders:
Anorexia Nervosa
Characterised by restriction of food intake, intense fear of weight gain, and disturbance in body image.
Bulimia Nervosa
Involves recurrent binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours such as vomiting, fasting, excessive exercise, or laxative use.
Binge Eating Disorder
Recurrent binge eating episodes accompanied by distress, without regular compensatory behaviours.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Involves restriction or avoidance of food due to sensory sensitivities, fear of aversive consequences, or lack of interest in eating. ARFID is not driven by body image concerns.
Other Feeding and Eating Disorders (OSFED/UFED)
Clinically significant eating concerns that do not meet full criteria for the above diagnoses but still require support.
Key Facts in Australia
Approximately 1 million Australians are currently living with an eating disorder
Over a quarter of those diagnosed with an eating disorder are under 18 years
Nearly 1 in 3 Australian adolescents engage in disordered eating behaviours i.e. purging and fasting
Over 90% of young Australians aged 12-18 report concerns about their body image
What does an eating disorder look like?
There is no “LOOK” to an eating disorder
Eating disorders are not defined by body size
Someone may appear physically “healthy” and still be experiencing significant psychological or medical distress. Weight alone does not determine the presence or severity of an eating disorder.
When to Seek Support
You might consider reaching out if:
- Eating feels controlled by anxiety or rigid rules
- Food avoidance is increasing
- Thoughts about food or your body take up significant mental space
- Eating patterns are affecting mood, relationships, school, or work
- There are concerns about nutritional adequacy or health
If you are unsure whether support is needed, it is always appropriate to seek advice.
Eating Disorders and Neurodiversity
Eating challenges do not always stem from body image concerns.
For some individuals — particularly those who are neurodivergent — difficulties with eating may be influenced by sensory sensitivities, anxiety, routine rigidity, or fear-based avoidance.
Presentations such as ARFID can involve:
- Strong sensory sensitivities to taste, texture, smell, or appearance of food
- Fear of choking, vomiting, or other aversive experiences
- A limited range of “safe” foods
- Distress around changes in food presentation or routine
These experiences require a tailored and respectful approach.
At One Central Health, we recognise the intersection between neurodiversity and eating patterns and provide support that is:
- Neurodiversity-affirming
- Collaborative with families where appropriate
- Focused on gradual, supported change
- Attentive to medical wellbeing
Our Approach
At One Central Health, we:
- Work within a weight-neutral and respectful framework
- Prioritise early intervention
- Collaborate within a multidisciplinary model of care
- Support neurodiverse presentations including ARFID
- Ensure medical stability and appropriate GP involvement where required
Referral Pathways
Eating disorder support at One Central Health may be accessed via:
- Eating Disorder Care Plan
- Mental Health Care Plan
- NDIS funding (where appropriate)
- Private referral
If you would like to know more information about One Central Health’s selection of Specialised Support Programs you can find out more here.
If you want to get in touch about our services or have a referral Contact Us today.