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

Home

Blog

A space for sharing all things body image and eating disorders related. All blog entries are written by our staff, those with a lived experience and professionals.

IDAHOBIT: How my gender transition helped me recover from an eating disorder

In recognition of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia (IDAHOBIT). Sexologist and Masters student, Kai, provides insight on how his gender transition empowered him to affirm who he truly is, as well as helped him recover from an eating disorder.

IDAHOBIT: My story of navigating sexuality and eating disorder recovery

In honour of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia (IDAHOBIT). Our very own Lived Experience Engagement Coordinator, Mitch, takes us on his eating disorder recovery journey as well as how he came to embrace his sexuality.

COVID-19: Tips & Advice for people with an eating disorder

With COVID-19 being the main focus of the media, our social media feeds, and conversation within our community it’s normal to feel anxious or uneasy about what this means for you.

What Self Isolation Can Mean for Someone Experiencing an Eating Disorder

Navigating through changes, adapting to a new lifestyle and routine, and being forced into self-isolation are difficult circumstances for anyone, but this is a particularly challenging time for the 1 million Australians currently experiencing an eating disorder.

Positive coping mechanisms to get through COVID-19

Hi my name is Jenna Abbasi I am 20 years old, I am currently studying Visual Arts and doing Mental health advocacy on social media. I was diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa and Anxiety when I was 13. One of my biggest motivations in recovery is showing others they can find their light and that recovery is possible!

Generation Equality? Reflections on weight stigma and diet culture on International Women’s Day

Its International Women’s Day on Sunday, an annual United Nations day with a 2020 theme of ‘I am Generation Equality: Realising Women’s Rights’.

Are online communities a supportive environment for someone experiencing or recovering from an eating disorder?

In celebration of Safer Internet Day, Danni Rowlands, our National Manager of Prevention Services, explores the online world, in particular social media platforms, and discusses how they can be simultaneously beneficial and harmful to someone experiencing or recovering from an eating disorder.

A guide to navigating the festive season

The holiday season can be a challenging and difficult time of year for people, particularly those experiencing eating disorders and their loved ones. Here are some helpful tips you may like to try over Christmas and the holidays to ensure you have a positive experience with family and friends.

#TheWholeMe: Sarah’s Story

In celebration of #TheWholeMe, a campaign launched in partnership with Instagram, Sarah Bryan takes us on her journey as she tells her story

Reflections on Love Your Body Week: How I learned the truth

It was only when I started working in the body image and eating disorder field six years ago, I realised how many misunderstandings about these issues I had grown up hearing. Dieting is just a normal part of life, right?

Living life – full, brave & unapologetic

Butterfly Foundation Ambassador. In honour of Love Your Body Week & being a voice for change our Ambassador, Mia Findlay has written a piece highlighting the importance of genuine self-acceptance.

#1 Build a healthy relationship with food

While everyone’s relationship with food and diet is unique, there are some common things people who suffer with an eating disorder experience.

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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.