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.

Creating a positive body image environment for males

In lights of Men’s Health Week (13th-19th June), we’re unpacking how to build healthy environments for men and boys, specifically, creating a positive body image environment. With body dissatisfaction and eating disorders increasing, it's never been more important.

National Sibling Day: Advice for people who have a sibling with an eating disorder

Eating disorders impact more than just the individual - their effect can be felt by the whole family and support network. For National Sibling Day, we've prepared some tips to help support those who have a sibling with an eating disorder.

Tips for the holiday season from Butterfly experts and lived experience voices

We asked Butterfly experts and members of our Lived Experience Network, the Butterfly Collective, for their advice and tips on navigating the holiday season while also living with an eating disorder.

How to avoid post lockdown body shaming on social media

We’ve been through a lot, and like any life stage, it’s okay if your body has changed during this time. Remember, your body has kept you going through a global pandemic.

How to stop comparing your body to others

Comparing ourselves to others is only natural, but making body comparisons can be a sure way to bust a positive body image. Here's how to stop comparing your body to others.

Body Image Tips For People Coming Out of Lockdown

Emerging from lockdown can be a daunting process, and anxiety is normal. Here are our top tips for minimising negative self-talk and increasing confidence in your body image.

Fostering self-compassion and kindness coming out of lockdown

After being confined to our houses for months on end, it’s normal to feel anxiety about returning to a pre-lockdown life. Here are our top tips for strengthening your self-compassion and self-kindness.

Tips for parents as children/young people go back to school post-lockdown

As students and families prepare for the return to school post-lockdown, here are some tips and strategies for parents and caregivers to support their children and young people transitioning back to face to face learning.

Taking back the power – how to reduce the impact of diet culture on your life

This Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week (BIEDAW), take back the power that diet culture has on your life, with these strategies to reduce the impact of harmful media messaging that equates weight with success.

Navigating Social Media: Now and Beyond Lockdowns

This e-smart week, take 'Responsible Action' by ensuring your social media is safe for your mental health. Butterfly Collective member Alex shares how he deals with body image ideals, comparison traps, and how to know when to unfollow.

How to navigate the ‘Zoom Effect’ and stay body confident on video calls.

For over a year now, Australia has been forced to adapt to a new "COVID normal", with fluctuating restrictions forcing many to develop new ways of remaining socially connected to our colleagues, friends, and family. It's resulted in a sometimes overwhelming use of video chats, and new research says that this is resulting in greater body dissatisfaction. Here's how to remain body confident while on zoom.

What is unhealthy perfectionism and how can you overcome it?

Living up to society’s unrealistic standards of perfection is taxing on your self-esteem and wellbeing. When you strive for perfection in relation to your diet and bodily appearance, it can have particularly harmful consequences. Read on to discover what defines unhealthy perfectionism and simple ways that you can overcome it within your everyday life.

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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.