Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that can be life-threatening and impact a person’s quality of life.
They can affect anyone. People of any age, gender, ethnicity or background can develop an eating disorder.
Eating disorders affect approximately 1.1 million, or 4.45% of the Australian population and when combined with disordered eating, are estimated to affect 16.3% of the Australian population.
The good news is, with the right support, anyone can recover from an eating disorder. It’s never ‘too early’ or ‘too late’. Health, community and social services all have a role to play in prevention and support.
This page contains information and resources to support you to raise awareness of eating disorders and help people find the support they need.
Download stakeholder assets
The assets on this page have been designed to help you build knowledge in your communities about what eating disorders are, how to spot the signs and where to get help.
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Tips on talking to your GP
Eating disorders - tips on talking to your GP - social tiles 1080 x 1350Understanding an eating disorder
Understanding an eating disorder - social tiles 1080 x 1350Eating Disorders Victoria Hub video
- Is food eating away at you? - A4 brochureIs food eating away at you? - A2 posterEating disorders - Professional offerings - A4 posterNavigating access to Medicare changes for eating disorders - A3 posterResponding to diet talk - A4 posterLearnED - Eating Disorders Victoria - DL flyerLearnED - Eating Disorders Victoria - A4 poster
Eating Disorders Victoria
Eating Disorders Victoria is the largest community-based organisation in Victoria providing eating disorder specific services. Their services are informed by the lived experience of people who have experienced eating disorders and those that have cared for them.
EDV are one of our key partners in developing and delivering the Victorian Eating Disorders Strategy 2024–31 and are our content partner in developing the resources available on this page.
The Victorian Eating Disorders Strategy 2024–31
The Victorian Eating Disorders Strategy 2024–31 has been developed in response to the growing prevalence and impact of eating disorders on the Victorian community. The strategy aims to support a more systemic and coordinated approach that improves eating disorders prevention, early identification, care and treatment.
The vision of the strategy is for all Victorians to have a safe and empowered relationship with body, food and movement, free of stigma or weight discrimination.
The strategy considers a stepped system of care that can support the prevention, early identification, intervention, and treatment of eating disorders across the public mental health, mental health and alcohol and other drugs specialist systems, enhanced by wellbeing supports.
Read more about the Strategy and what we’re doing to bring it to life in the First Implementation Plan 2024-26 at Victorian eating disorders strategy.
Reviewed 02 October 2025