Talk to someone now. Call our National Helpline on 1800 33 4673. You can also chat online or email

Eating disorders
What can cause an eating disorder?

It’s unlikely that one single thing will lead to an eating disorder. There is often a combination of risk factors, including genetics, emotional factors and cultural influences.

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Who gets eating disorders?

No matter your size, shape, age, abilities, gender identity, sexuality, cultural or linguistic background, economic status or location, anyone can experience an eating disorder.

Do you know someone at risk?

Approximately 9% of Australians will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime but it’s not possible to tell if a person has an eating disorder simply by their appearance.
Body image
What is body image?

Body image is the thoughts, feelings, attitudes and beliefs we have about our bodies and how we look, including our shape, size, weight, and the way our body functions for us.

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Body image issues don’t discriminate.

There are many factors that can contribute to poor body image and body dissatisfaction. Body image issues affect people of all ages, genders and across all cultures.

Body image programs

Butterfly’s programs for young people, professionals and parents are evidence based and designed to provide practical strategies, skills and resources to support positive body image and healthy behaviours in young Australians.
Get support
Butterfly provides support, care, referrals and resources

Whether for you, a friend, a family member, a client, or anyone else that you care about, Butterfly is here to offer support.

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Screening Tool

Use our simple and anonymous screening tool to help you know if you are experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder.

Search Butterfly's Referral Database

Find eating disorder professionals, services and treatment nearest to you, through our Referral Database, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Health Professionals
Information, resources and referrals for your clients

Our Helpline and support services are not only for people impacted by eating disorders and body image issues, but also for clinicians and other health and education professionals.

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Butterfly referral database

Butterfly's Referral Database provides a directory of professionals, screened for an understanding of eating disorders, so people Australia-wide can find appropriate care..

Medicare items for eating disorders

Patients with a clinical diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and other eating disorders may be eligible for new Medicare rebates under the Eating Disorder Medicare Plan.
School & Youth Professionals
Programs for people working with young people

Butterfly offers presentations, resources and workshops to teachers, professionals, young people and parents on the risk and protective factors for body dissatisfaction, disordered eating and eating disorders.

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Body Kind Schools

Support young people’s body image by joining Butterfly’s annual free schools awareness initiative. Finding ways to feel positive about your body can be challenging but we can all try to be kinder.

Butterfly Body Bright

A new whole of school program to promote positive body image and healthy attitudes and behaviours towards the body, eating, and physical activity in primary school-aged children.
Who we are
About Butterfly

Butterfly changes lives by providing support services, treatment and resources, delivering prevention and early intervention programs and advocating for the needs of those with eating disorders and body image issues.

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A Voice for Change

As the voice of lived experience, Butterfly advocates on behalf of people impacted by negative body image, eating disorders, and those who support and care for them.

Our Partners and Supporters

Butterfly is extremely grateful for the passion and commitment of our dedicated corporate and community partners.
Get involved
Ways to get involved

There are many different ways you can get involved and help bring about positive change for those experiencing eating disorders and negative body image. You are a vital part of the solution.

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Our Impact

Established nearly 20 years, Butterfly’s multi-skilled team continue to make a significant impact within the mental health sector.

Share Your Story

Every experience of an eating disorder is unique. Sharing stories from personal experience allows for reflection, understanding and connection.

Talk to someone now. Call our National Helpline on 1800 33 4673. You can also chat online or email

Latest news | 26 Mar 2019

Butterfly Asks Carers To Share Their Experience

SHARE THIS

TAKE THE SURVEY

26 March, 2019 – Butterfly launches the ‘Caring For Someone With An Eating Disorder’ survey to better understand the experience and needs of carers supporting a loved one with an eating disorder.

WHAT IS THE SURVEY ABOUT?

This consultation is part of the work of the Butterfly Foundation to better understand carer experience in supporting someone with an eating disorder. The survey offers an opportunity for Australians to:

SHARE their experience of caring for someone with an eating disorder
HELP us to understand the impact of eating disorders on carers and the needs of carers
CONTRIBUTE to advocating for increased access to carer support services

Getting a wide range of experiences from the community, will allow us to better understand the impact on, and needs of, people caring for someone with an eating disorder.

WHO CAN TAKE THE SURVEY?

‘Carers’ are defined as anyone who has supported someone with an eating disorder. This includes: parents, siblings, partners, friends, family members, colleagues, extended family and educators.

If you live in Australia and have supported someone with an eating disorder, you are invited to take the survey.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

You can participate by completing our online survey. The survey takes approximately 5 minutes. Participation is voluntary and anonymous.

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SPREAD THE WORD

Share the survey with your networks so we can reach as many Australians as possible.
Please include our National Helpline 1800 33 4673 on all information shared, for those who wish to seek support.
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HELP AND SUPPORT

This survey delves into your personal experience. You might find some of the questions uncomfortable, personal or upsetting. If this survey brings up questions or concerns for you, please contact:

Butterfly’s National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 or email support@butterfly.org.au

For urgent support call Lifeline 13 11 14
Media Contact: Danielle Cuthbert danielle.cuthbert@butterfly.org.au

News & Media

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Butterfly acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we work as the first people of this country.

We commit to embracing diversity and eliminating discrimination in health care. We welcome all help-seekers and strive to create a safe place for all people, irrespective of their size, shape, age, abilities, gender, sexuality, cultural background, language, economic status, profession or location.

Butterfly acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we work as the first people of this country.

We commit to embracing diversity and eliminating discrimination in health care. We welcome all help-seekers and strive to create a safe place for all people, irrespective of their size, shape, age, abilities, gender, sexuality, cultural background, language, economic status, profession or location.