Eating disorder foundations for AEPs presented by Jessica Luke
Every practitioner can recognise warning signs and contribute to better care
Diagnoses of eating disorders are increasing and continue to be under-identified and under-treated in our community. They occur in individuals of all age, weight, size, shape, gender identity, sexuality, cultural background or socioeconomic group. Put simply we are seeing individuals with eating disorders in our services, whether or not we are aware of it.
Jess Luke identifies eating disorders as serious, complex and potentially life-threatening mental illnesses. With less than one in four individuals with an eating disorder receiving treatment, it’s clear that in Australia, we need more recognition and support for treatment pathways. All health professionals, including exercise physiologists, should have a foundational knowledge of eating disorders to contribute to harm minimisation and prompting treatment.
Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, as well as Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Orthorexia Nervosa are introduced with formal diagnostic criteria, as well as with how they ‘show up’ in fitness and clinical space through behaviours, physical and psychological signs.
Individuals who are demonstrating warning signs should be referred to their GP. This key step is likely to involve difficult conversations and thoughtful communication. While working with individuals with an eating disorder requires further training, all movement professionals can play a role in improving early intervention and access to support services.
Jessica Luke is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist who specialises in eating disorders. She has developed the exercise component of numerous eating disorder inpatient and day programs at both the Ramsay Clinic Hollywood and the Fremantle Hospital Mental Health Service.
Jess serves on the Western Australian Eating Disorder Sub Network Steering Committee and is a member of the Australia New Zealand Academy of Eating Disorders, the National Eating Disorders Collaboration and Health At Every Size Australia.
Available to stream now.