Talk to someone now. Call our National Helpline on 1800 33 4673. You can also chat online or email

Eating disorders
What can cause an eating disorder?

It’s unlikely that one single thing will lead to an eating disorder. There is often a combination of risk factors, including genetics, emotional factors and cultural influences.

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Who gets eating disorders?

No matter your size, shape, age, abilities, gender identity, sexuality, cultural or linguistic background, economic status or location, anyone can experience an eating disorder.

Do you know someone at risk?

Approximately 9% of Australians will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime but it’s not possible to tell if a person has an eating disorder simply by their appearance.
Body image
What is body image?

Body image is the thoughts, feelings, attitudes and beliefs we have about our bodies and how we look, including our shape, size, weight, and the way our body functions for us.

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Body image issues don’t discriminate.

There are many factors that can contribute to poor body image and body dissatisfaction. Body image issues affect people of all ages, genders and across all cultures.

Body image programs

Butterfly’s programs for young people, professionals and parents are evidence based and designed to provide practical strategies, skills and resources to support positive body image and healthy behaviours in young Australians.
Get support
Butterfly provides support, care, referrals and resources

Whether for you, a friend, a family member, a client, or anyone else that you care about, Butterfly is here to offer support.

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Butterfly’s National Helpline

Our helpline is free and confidential, and our specialist counsellors offer non-judgmental support over the phone, by email and by online chat, seven days a week.

Search Butterfly's Referral Database

Find eating disorder professionals, services and treatment nearest to you, through our Referral Database, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Health Professionals
Information, resources and referrals for your clients

Our Helpline and support services are not only for people impacted by eating disorders and body image issues, but also for clinicians and other health and education professionals.

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Butterfly referral database

Butterfly's Referral Database provides a directory of professionals, screened for an understanding of eating disorders, so people Australia-wide can find appropriate care..

Medicare items for eating disorders

Patients with a clinical diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and other eating disorders may be eligible for new Medicare rebates under the Eating Disorder Medicare Plan.
School & Youth Professionals
Programs for people working with young people

Butterfly offers presentations, resources and workshops to teachers, professionals, young people and parents on the risk and protective factors for body dissatisfaction, disordered eating and eating disorders.

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Body Kind Schools

Support young people’s body image by joining Butterfly’s annual free schools awareness initiative. Finding ways to feel positive about your body can be challenging but we can all try to be kinder.

Butterfly Body Bright

A new whole of school program to promote positive body image and healthy attitudes and behaviours towards the body, eating, and physical activity in primary school-aged children.
Who we are
About Butterfly

Butterfly changes lives by providing support services, treatment and resources, delivering prevention and early intervention programs and advocating for the needs of those with eating disorders and body image issues.

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A Voice for Change

As the voice of lived experience, Butterfly advocates on behalf of people impacted by negative body image, eating disorders, and those who support and care for them.

Our Partners and Supporters

Butterfly is extremely grateful for the passion and commitment of our dedicated corporate and community partners.
Get involved
Ways to get involved

There are many different ways you can get involved and help bring about positive change for those experiencing eating disorders and negative body image. You are a vital part of the solution.

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Our Impact

Established nearly 20 years, Butterfly’s multi-skilled team continue to make a significant impact within the mental health sector.

Share Your Story

Every experience of an eating disorder is unique. Sharing stories from personal experience allows for reflection, understanding and connection.

Talk to someone now. Call our National Helpline on 1800 33 4673. You can also chat online or email

COVID-19 update

Watch this space!

Exciting new resources coming soon. In the meantime, chat to KIT, who has many Covid-related resources, and check out some of the available content below.

As COVID-19 continues to disrupt our routines and sense of normality – looking after our mental health, checking in on one another and staying connected is so important. Butterfly wants to remind you that we are in this together and we will get through this – together.

Here you can find some resources we have put together:

An important update from our CEO
Announcement: ED Medicare items now available via telehealth
Tips: COVID-19 Tips & Advice for People with an eating disorder
Guest Blog: Positive Coping Mechanisms to Get Through COVID-19
Article: What self isolation can mean for somebody experiencing an eating disorder
Advocacy: Our letter to Woolworths and to Coles
Collaboration: National Mental Health Commissions #InThisTogether video series

This is a very challenging time, and Butterfly is here to help you navigate through the uncertainty. Take it one day at a time, one moment at a time. We know times are difficult, but be kind to yourself and continue to reach out to one another.

This is a very challenging time, and Butterfly is here to help you navigate through the uncertainty. Take it one day at a time, one moment at a time. We know times are difficult, but be kind to yourself and continue to reach out to one another.

Want to help us make a difference?

Eating disorders don’t stop for COVID-19. Fundraising is challenging even without a crisis like this. Butterfly needs you now more than ever to keep our essential services running so that we can be there to assist the more than one million Australians living with an eating disorder, those who care for them, and the many more with body image issues who need our help. Every donation counts.

If you are interested in finding out more about how you can support Butterfly, please visit our website or contact Elizabeth Herd Fundraising Manager by emailing elizabeth.herd@butterfly.org.au

Get support

Whether you need support for yourself or someone you care about, call our free and confidential Helpline on 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673), chat online or email.

BUTTERFLY HELPLINE

If English is not your first language, The Translation and Interpreting Service is also available.

If you need urgent assistance or support, please ring Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Get involved

Talk to someone now

Call our National Helpline

1800 33 4673 Chat online Email

Butterfly acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we work as the first people of this country.

We commit to embracing diversity and eliminating discrimination in health care. We welcome all help-seekers and strive to create a safe place for all people, irrespective of their size, shape, age, abilities, gender, sexuality, cultural background, language, economic status, profession or location.

Butterfly acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we work as the first people of this country.

We commit to embracing diversity and eliminating discrimination in health care. We welcome all help-seekers and strive to create a safe place for all people, irrespective of their size, shape, age, abilities, gender, sexuality, cultural background, language, economic status, profession or location.