Eating disorders are characterised by extreme disturbances in eating behaviours, and related thoughts and feelings.

There can be very serious physical and psychological consequences if an eating disorder is left untreated.

Categories of eating disorders:

  • anorexia: people with anorexia have an intense desire to lose weight, and may believe they are overweight even when their weight is unhealthily low
  • bulimia: people with bulimia consume large amounts of food at a time, and try to compensate by throwing up, exercising, skipping meals or taking medication
  • binge eating disorder: people with binge eating disorder consume large amounts of food at a time and feel that they don't have control over their food intake
  • other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED): some people's symptoms don't fit the above categories exactly but still fulfill criteria for an eating disorder.

Causes of eating disorders

There is no single cause of eating disorders. They are likely a result of a combination of factors working together. These factors could include any or all of the following:

  • physical, emotional or sexual trauma
  • cultural emphasis or preoccupation with body image ideals and slimness
  • relationships with peers and family
  • loss and grief
  • brain chemistry
  • physiological and psychological effects of dieting
  • stress or coping styles
  • genetic factors
  • a feeling of lack of control over one's life
  • low self-esteem.

Effects of eating disorders

Eating disorders can have physical, emotional and psychological effects.

If left untreated, severe eating disorders can be life-threatening. However, the physical effects are generally reversible if the disorder is treated early.

Physical effects can include:

  • harm to the kidneys
  • urinary tract infections and damage to the colon
  • dehydration, constipation and diarrhoea
  • seizures, muscle spasms or cramps (resulting from chemical imbalances)
  • chronic indigestion
  • strain on most body organs
  • irregular periods, or not having a period
  • severe sensitivity to the cold
  • growth of down-like hair all over the body
  • inability to think rationally or concentrate
  • erosion of dental enamel from vomiting
  • swollen salivary glands
  • the possibility of a ruptured stomach
  • chronic sore throat and gullet.

The emotional and psychological effects of eating disorders are likely to include:

  • difficulties with activities that involve food
  • loneliness, because of self-imposed isolation and a reluctance to develop personal relationships
  • fear of the disapproval of others if the illness becomes known, with some hope that family and friends might intervene and provide assistance
  • mood swings, changes in personality, emotional outbursts or depression.

Student counselling services

If you are having a personal crisis and need to speak to someone urgently, contact the UQ Counselling and Crisis line:

1300 851 998

If you call 1300 851 998 between 8am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday, our trained staff will connect you to the right support. Outside of these hours, a trained crisis counsellor will answer for immediate assistance. 

You can also text 0488 884 115 between 4:30pm and 8am to chat with a crisis counsellor.

 

Book a confidential appointment with our counsellors for personal support:

Step one:

Complete the counselling intake form. This form must be completed prior to your first appointment.  

Find the form here

Step two:

Book a counselling appointment

Note: For students at Gatton and Herston campuses, please ensure any face to face appointment is at your preferred location.

 

If you're having trouble booking online, contact Student Services.

    Phone Student Services on 1300 275 870

     Visit Student Central (Building 42, St Lucia campus) or Student Services Gatton (Level 1, N.W. Briton Administration Centre Annexe, Building 8101A)

   Live chat with us (8:30am—4:30pm)

 

Further support

You can speak to your GP, a psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor outside of UQ.

You can also visit:

Queensland Eating Disorder Service