Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect both the mind and body. In Australia, the number of people experiencing eating disorders continues to rise—especially among young people. Fortunately, support is available through Medicare’s Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan, which provides subsidised access to psychologists and dietitians.
In this article, we explore the rates of eating disorders in Australia, how to access treatment through the Medicare Eating Disorder Plan, and the eligibility criteria required to get help.
How Common Are Eating Disorders in Australia?
Eating disorders affect over 1.2 million Australians, which is roughly 4.5% of the population. These conditions can affect individuals of any age, gender or cultural background, although adolescents and young adults, females and neurodiverse people are particularly vulnerable.
The most common types of eating disorders in Australia that are eligible for Medicare subsidised support include:
- Anorexia nervosa – severe restriction of food intake, often driven by overvaluing one’s shape, weight, eating, and sense of control.
- Bulimia nervosa – episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory weight-control behaviours, such as vomiting or excessive exercise.
- Binge eating disorder – recurrent episodes of uncontrollable overeating, usually without purging.
- Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED) – disordered eating that doesn’t meet full diagnostic criteria but still causes significant distress and health problems.
These conditions affect physical health. They can cause malnutrition, heart issues, and digestive problems. They also harm mental wellbeing, self-esteem, and relationships.
Why Early Treatment is Critical
Early intervention plays a critical role in improving recovery outcomes for individuals with eating disorders. When left untreated, eating disorders can result in life-threatening medical complications, long-term psychological difficulties, and a significantly reduced quality of life.
Noticing early signs and risk factors of disordered eating can help lessen the effects on physical and mental health. No single factor causes an eating disorder.
However, some risk factors can contribute to it. These include low self-esteem, fear of negative judgment, and body dissatisfaction. Certain personality traits, like perfectionism and obsessive-compulsive tendencies, may also play a role.
Warning signs that you or someone close to you has an eating disorder may include:
- Changes in weight, particularly if rapid or frequent
- Abnormal or absent menstruation
- Lethargy, dizziness and tiredness
- Sensitivity to cold temperatures
- Changes in sleep and sex drive
- Fixed thoughts on food, body shape and weight
- Avoidance of or increased anxiety around meal times, particularly in groups
- Expressions of feeling out of control around food
- Using food as punishment or a source of comfort
- Changes and fixations on eating behaviour (e.g., calorie counting, avoiding certain foods)
- Use of laxatives or appetite suppressants
- Changes in clothing and food preferences
- Increased and excessive exercising regimes
- Reactivity to comments about body shape, weight, eating and exercise
Key features of the Eating Disorder Plan:
- Up to 40 psychological treatment sessions.
- Up to 20 sessions with an accredited practising dietitian.
- Coverage spans 12 months, with a structured review process to ensure treatment is on track.
- Services must be delivered by healthcare professionals experienced in eating disorder management.
This combined support from a psychologist and dietitian addresses both the mental and nutritional aspects of recovery, giving individuals a stronger chance of achieving long-term wellbeing.
Who is Eligible for a Medicare Eating Disorder Plan?
Individuals with a diagnosis of Anorexia nervosa are automatically eligible for an EDP.
For individuals with a diagnosis Bulimia nervosa, Binge eating disorder or OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder) they must also meet the following criteria:
- Be experiencing rapid weight loss or have 3+ occurrences of binge-eating or compensatory behaviours per week.
- Have at least 2 of the following:
- clinically underweight (<85% of expected weight) due to disordered eating
- current or high-risk medical complications due to eating disorder symptoms
- serious comorbid medical or psychological conditions significantly impacting health & function
- overnight inpatient admission for the eating disorder in the past 12-months
- inadequate treatment response to evidence-based eating disorder treatment over the past 6-months despite active & consistent participation
A GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician will determine if you meet these criteria based on medical assessments and mental health screening tools.
How to Get a Referral for an Eating Disorder Plan
Here’s how to access treatment under the Medicare Eating Disorder Plan:
Step 1: Book an Appointment with Your GP
Start by booking an appointment with a medical practitioner with experience in mental health or eating disorders, if possible. This can include your general practitioner (GP), paediatrician or psychiatrist.
Step 2: Comprehensive Assessment
Attend your appointment with your medical practitioner, who will conduct a thorough medical and psychological assessment. This may include reviewing your:
- Medical history
- BMI and nutritional status
- Psychological symptoms
- Eating habits and behaviours
- Risk of self-harm or medical complications
Step 3: Development of the Eating Disorder Plan
If you’re eligible, your medical practitioner will develop and provide your Eating Disorder Plan and refer you to appropriate healthcare professionals, such as a psychologist and dietitian.
Step 4: Commence Treatment
On referral, your psychologist or dietitian will commence supporting you and will discuss your treatment. Your medical practitioner will inform how many sessions you are eligible to receive at one time, with the maximum being 10 sessions per course of treatment for a psychologist and 20 sessions for dietetics.
Step 5: Review and Follow-Up
Following your initial appointment and after each course of treatment, your psychologist and dietitian will provide a progress letter to your referring medical practitioner. This letter outlines your presentation, the treatment provided, and your progress, and includes a request for additional sessions if you remain eligible. If approved, your medical practitioner will issue a new referral so you can continue receiving psychological and nutritional support.
In addition, if you are receiving psychological support under an EDP, you must attend a review with a psychiatrist or paediatrician before completing your first 20 sessions. This review helps determine whether ongoing treatment under the plan is appropriate and should continue. If approved, you may access the remaining 20 psychology sessions available through the EDP.
How Psychologists and Dietitians Can Help
A psychologist helps individuals work through underlying emotional triggers, body image issues, anxiety, depression, and disordered thinking patterns using evidence-based practice. Therapies used by a psychologist may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E), which is considered the gold standard for treatment.
A dietitian focuses on rebuilding a healthy relationship with food and body. This includes meal planning, nutritional rehabilitation, addressing food fears, and educating individuals about balanced eating.
Together, this team-based approach fosters long-term recovery and reduces the risk of relapse.
Final Thoughts
Eating disorders in Australia are on the rise, but with structured support through Medicare’s Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan, individuals can access the expert care they need. Early diagnosis, psychological treatment, and nutrition counselling are key components to lasting recovery.
If you or someone you know may be living with an eating disorder, don’t wait. Speak to your GP today about eligibility for the Medicare Eating Disorder Plan and take the first step towards healing.
Need Help Getting Started?
At ORS, our team of experienced psychologists and accredited practising dietitians are here to support you or your loved one through every stage of the recovery journey. We offer evidence-based treatment tailored to individual needs and can assist with Medicare referrals, planning, and coordinated care.
You are not alone—help is available, and recovery is possible.
About this blog
This blog was co-authored by Erene Thong, ORS General Manager of Dietetics, and Sarah stewart, ORS General Manager of Psychology.
