Body Image and Eating Disorders: Understanding Signs and Finding Support

What is the difference between disordered eating and an eating disorder?

Disordered eating can describe problematic or distressing patterns of thoughts and behaviours around food and eating that may not meet the diagnostic criteria for a specific eating disorder.

An eating disorder is a diagnosable mental health condition assessed according to established diagnostic criteria. Both experiences can cause genuine distress. A person does not need to wait until their difficulties become more severe before discussing them with an appropriately qualified health professional.

What are some signs that someone may be struggling?

There is no single set of signs that applies to everyone, and eating disorders cannot be identified from appearance alone. Depending on the person, changes may involve their thoughts, emotions or behaviours around food, eating, exercise or their body. Someone might become increasingly preoccupied with food or appearance, experience distress around eating, withdraw from social situations involving food, or become more critical of their body.

Other people may experience significant distress that is much less visible to those around them. Rather than trying to determine whether someone “looks unwell”, it is important to listen when a person tells you that their relationship with food or their body is causing distress.

Body image, eating disorders and neurodivergence

People's experiences of food, eating and their bodies can be shaped by many factors, including neurodivergence. For some autistic people or people with ADHD, sensory preferences, interoception, executive functioning, routines, emotional regulation or experiences of being misunderstood may interact with eating and body-related experiences.

A neuroaffirming approach does not assume that every difficulty with eating has the same cause. Instead, support should seek to understand the individual's experiences, needs, environment and neurotype without treating neurodivergence itself as something that needs to be “fixed”.

What can body kindness look like?

Body kindness does not require us to feel positively about our bodies every moment of every day. For some people, a more realistic goal may be developing greater compassion, acceptance or neutrality towards their body. Body kindness might involve:

• eating without attaching morality or guilt to food
• choosing clothes that feel comfortable
• moving your body in ways that feel enjoyable or meaningful
• noticing and challenging harsh body-related self-talk
• curating social media that supports your wellbeing
• setting boundaries around conversations about dieting, weight or appearance
• appreciating your body for what it allows you to experience or do
• seeking support when thoughts about food or your body are becoming distressing.

Small changes in the way we speak to ourselves and others can contribute to a more respectful relationship with our bodies.

When should you seek support for body image or eating concerns?

You do not need to wait until your concerns feel severe before asking for help.

It may be helpful to speak with a health professional if thoughts or behaviours relating to food, eating, exercise, weight or your body are causing distress, taking up a significant amount of your time, affecting relationships or interfering with everyday life.

Early conversations can provide an opportunity to better understand what you are experiencing and what kind of support may be appropriate. If you are worried about someone else, you do not need to diagnose what is happening before expressing concern. Listening without judgement and encouraging them to speak with an appropriately qualified health professional can be a valuable first step.

Frequently asked questions

Can you have an eating disorder at any body size?

Yes. Eating disorders can affect people across the full range of body sizes. A person's appearance or weight alone cannot tell you whether they are experiencing an eating disorder.

Are body image concerns the same as an eating disorder?

No. Body image concerns are not necessarily an eating disorder. However, persistent body dissatisfaction can cause significant distress and may occur alongside disordered eating or an eating disorder.

Who can experience body image concerns?

Anyone can experience body image concerns, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, body size, cultural background or ability. Body image can also change throughout different stages of life.

Can social media affect body image?

For some people, social media can contribute to body dissatisfaction through appearance comparisons, idealised images and repeated exposure to particular beauty or body standards. Its impact varies between individuals and depends on factors including the content someone sees and how they engage with it.

When should I talk to a psychologist about body image concerns?

Consider seeking professional support if concerns about food, eating, exercise, weight or your body are causing distress or affecting your relationships, wellbeing or everyday activities. You do not need to wait for your difficulties to become severe before seeking support.

Psychology support at Q Psychology

If concerns about food, eating or body image are affecting your wellbeing, speaking with a psychologist may help you understand your experiences and explore appropriate support.

Q Psychology provides affirming psychological support across our Carlton, St Kilda and Geelong clinics, as well as telehealth where appropriate. Our approach recognises that experiences of body image and mental health can intersect with identity, neurodivergence, relationships and broader social experiences. If you would like to explore whether Q Psychology may be appropriate for your needs, you can learn more about our psychology services or contact our team.