• Training despite illness or injury or to the point of exhaustion
• Experiencing dizziness , lightheadedness , or disorientation during or after exercise
• Weighing themselves frequently
• Unwillingness to take rest days .
How to approach someone
Material from the ‘ How far is too far ?’ campaign highlighting the fact that eating disorders , compulsive exercise and negative body image frequently co-occur
Positive and negative body image
Body image refers to the way you see , think and feel about your body . Your body image can be positive , negative , or a bit of both . It can also change over time . If you have a positive body image you accept , respect and celebrate your body . You ’ re more likely to have a healthy , balanced lifestyle , without spending too much time worrying about the way you look . If you have a negative body image , you might think of yourself as being larger than you really are or you may fixate on a particular body part , seeing it as being very unattractive .
What to look for
As a fitness professional , you have probably been in the situation where you suspect that one of your clients , students or team members may have an eating disorder . Maybe they have lost an excessive amount of weight , perhaps they are taking supplements for weight loss or gain ( or even steroids ), or they might be attending too many classes or exercising excessively . You can ’ t always tell if someone has an eating disorder just by looking at them , so it ’ s important to be aware of the signs that may indicate someone is developing or experiencing an eating disorder . Look out for :
• Preoccupation with weight , body shape or composition
• Sudden or frequent changes in weight
• Taking supplements for weight loss / gain , or performance enhancement
• Becoming anxious about missed sessions or disruption to exercise
The 30-second article
• Fitness professionals are well placed to notice if someone is developing an unhealthy relationship with their body , exercise , or food
• Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that occur when eating , exercise and body weight or shape become an unhealthy preoccupation
• Compulsive exercise and negative body image frequently co-occur with eating disorders
• Looking out for some key signs can help identify if someone is developing or experiencing an eating disorder
• Following some simple tips can help you connect sufferers with the support and help they need .
It can be hard to know what to say to someone who might be struggling with food , exercise or body image . It is a sensitive topic , but one that is of real importance to fitness professionals in promoting the health and wellbeing of clients and colleagues . Some tips include :
• Be prepared : read up about eating disorders , body image and other mental health issues ( howfaristoofar . org . au )
• Pick an appropriate time and place for the conversation , being mindful of confidentiality
• Be calm , open and honest and use specific examples of things you have noticed
• Listen to their response and don ’ t take it personally if they get angry or upset
• Have contact details for organisations such as Eating Disorders Victoria ( eatingdisorders . org . au ) at the ready in case they are ready to seek support .
What help is available ?
Encouraging someone to contact the Eating Disorders Victoria Helpline on 1300 550 236 or help @ eatingdisorders . org . au is the best starting point to help them access more specialised and tailored support , wherever they may live . Helpline volunteers can talk through the options for treatment and explain the different services available , as well as provide a listening ear and confidential support .
If someone does need ongoing help , the first point of contact for a full assessment and referral to a treatment team for many people will be a GP . A GP can refer on to a psychologist or other allied health professional such as a psychologist or dietitian .
‘ How far is too far ?’ – an early intervention site for eating disorders
Evidence suggests that the earlier someone gets treatment and support , the better their chances for recovery , so it is important that people working in professional roles can identify warning signs and start conversations with people who might be struggling . In this context , Eating Disorders Victoria has been funded by the Victorian Government to develop a mobile site to facilitate early intervention for eating disorders .
' How far is too far ?' is a simple website and campaign that explores some of the everyday behaviours and attitudes that can be early warning signs of something else going on . ' How far is too far ?' provides basic , clear and practical information about how to identify the warning signs of an eating disorder and how to support someone to get help . The website is targeted at people without training in eating disorders or mental health , but who , like fitness professionals , might be in a position to initiate a conversation with someone .
' How far is too far ?' has just launched , so keep an eye out . You can use it to become familiar with some of the early warning signs of an eating disorder , and to get practical tips about how to talk to someone that you ’ re worried about . It gives an overview of what help is out there , and how to support someone to get help early .
Loren Byford , MPsych , BPsych ( Hons ) is an experienced psychologist working with Eating Disorders Victoria . She treats a wide range of issues , from anxiety to sleep problems , but has a special interest in treating and preventing eating disorders and related issues in young people . Visit howfaristoofar . org . au or eatingdisorders . org . au
20 | NETWORK WINTER 2016