Who We Treat
Athletes
Athletes have a vulnerability to disordered eating and eating disorders and face unique challenges to overcome them. Often athletes have intense training and exercise requirements as well as prescribed nutritional guidance so that they can reach their performance goals. Prevalence rates in athletes are higher than non athletes because of these demands.
Although stereotypes would say eating disorders are higher in ‘weight sensitive’ sorts such as ballet, running or wrestling, athletes of all sports are vulnerable.
Sometimes, eating disorders are difficult to detect in athletes as excessive exercise, low body fat, sticking to rigid diets, are seen as positive.
The syndrome Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports (REDS-S) can affect up to two thirds of women athletes and is also seen in male athletes and can have severe physical consequences.
Recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Treatment is personalised to ensure both the eating disorder can be resolved and that the person maintains a career in sport.
Boys and Men
Eating disorders affect all genders, but often diagnosis in boys and men can be missed due to unhelpful existing stereotypes. This can contribute to men/boys not reaching out for support which means they may become more severe over time.
It is estimated that between 10-25% of those presenting with anorexia will be men, 30% of bulimia, up to 50% with binge eating disorder and over 60% of ARFID.
The eating disorder can also look different with a focus on the need for muscularity rather than weight loss. The term muscle dysmorphia is refers a preoccupation with muscularity.
Evidence based treatments have been shown to work just as effectively for men and boys.
LGBTQIA+ Populations
Members of the LGBTQIA+ populations are at increased risk of eating disorders and often face unique challenges in recovery and difficult barriers to treatment.
It is estimated that to 90% of the population have high body dissatisfaction, and up to 50% a form of eating disorder.
While there is a lack of research on the relationship between sexuality, gender identity, body image, and eating disorders, we know that LGBTQIA+ identified folks experience unique stressors that can contribute to the development of an eating disorder and also maintain the eating disorder.
Although society is getting slowly learning, many in this population to not reach out for support for fear of stigma and discrimination. Often folk have been subject to bulling, trauma and harassment.
Recovery is possible and we are committed to providing a safe and gender- affirming environment to all those in this population seeking support.