Women and girls are disproportionately impacted by eating disorders and body dissatisfaction, with social media having disastrous effects say experts.
Eating disorders, like anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, unspecified feeding or eating disorder and more affect over 1.1 million Australians, with almost two thirds being women and girls, according to the Butterfly Foundation.
On top of this, 15 per cent of women will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime, and women and girls are two times more likely to experience eating disorders than men and boys.
Venessa Nadolnik, an eating disorder accredited psychologist, said there are some common signs to look out for if someone you care about may be struggling with an eating disorder.
“(Look out for) changing behaviour around food, like not wanting to participate in social events like going out for a meal or attending family meal time,” she said.
“Skipping meals, reducing portion size or cutting down on certain food groups… talking a lot about food, dieting and exercise.”
She also said some individuals may present with mood swings, irritability or are quick to anger, alongside social isolation and withdrawal.
Dr Nadolnik said she has seen more and more young people struggling with eating disorders and disordered eating, and believes social media is playing a significant role.
“Unfortunately, I feel like many women unfortunately are struggling to some degree with body image and eating,” Dr Nadolnik said.
“It’s quite common for people, especially when we’re looking back in the ‘90s… it was quite normal for everyone to be on diets and I think it’s still a thing, but it’s (turned into) fitness culture and wellness, so people are more obsessed with healthy, clean eating and exercising.”
Health and wellness content has found its place on social media, with curated images of thinness, “clean” eating and extreme fitness posing as health.
The Body Kind Youth Survey, an annual report by the Butterfly Foundation that provides a nationwide snapshot of body image among Australia’s youth, found that over half of young people reported that social media makes them feel dissatisfied with their bodies.
Seven in 10 young people also agreed that social media platforms should do more to promote positive body image, and over 75 percent of youth surveyed aged between 12 to 18 wish they were thinner.
Dr Nadolnik said getting help is possible, with your first point of call being your GP.
“I would say for parents, to just act as soon as possible, even if they just have a concern (about their child), or something’s a little different, those very subtle warning signs, it’s just better to go and seek help and talk to someone to verify before it could become a severe problem,” she said.
Anyone needing support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact:
Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) or support@butterfly.org.au
Eating Disorders Victoria Helpline on 1300 550 23
For urgent support call Lifeline 13 11 14
