Department of Health

New strategy to tackle the rise in eating disorders

05/10/24

Eating disorders have been on the rise, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, where changes in work and study, plus limited social connections, created highly stressful environments.

Eating disorders, when combined with disordered eating, are estimated to affect 16.3% of the Australian population.

That's why the Victorian Government has released the Victorian eating disorders strategy 2024–2031.

The strategy aims to reverse this trend, and to enable a person, family and supporter-centred care which is accessible, interconnected and evidence-informed to promote prevention and early intervention.

It will shift the focus from acute services to a stepped system of care while fostering a new understanding of the roles families, carers, supporters, communities, and services play in advocating for and supporting people who are affected or at risk of eating disorders.

Importantly, it's been developed through consultation with people who have lived and living experience of eating disorders, as well as with people who know what it is like to care for and support someone who does.

We've also relied on the expertise of sector partners, eating disorder researchers, clinicians, and experts from across the sector to ensure that our way forward is supported in a strong evidence base.

This strategy is an important part of rebuilding Victoria’s mental health and wellbeing system and addresses key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System and through it, it is our vision that all Victorians have a safe and empowered relationship with body, food and movement, free of stigma or weight discrimination.

Reviewed 05 October 2024

Health.vic

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