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.

Read more
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.

Read more
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.

Read more
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.

Read more
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.

Read more
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.

Read more
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.

Read more
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

Alex's Story

I met 5 girls working towards a life free of Anorexia while I was in hospital and they are my strength everyday

SHARE THIS

Being underwater was used as a metaphor for living with an eating disorder; swimming to the surface and breaking through, a metaphor for recovery.

I was diagnosed with Anorexia back in late 2013, just a few short months after having graduated Year 12.

In the beginning my intentions were purely to follow a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious meals and exercising daily. Not only did I believe I was being healthy, my family & friends did too. As the months went by my perfectionism kicked in and I saw myself doing more & more exercise rigidly and I didn’t know when to stop. My thoughts were consumed by what I was going to eat next or had eaten already. I began to isolate myself away from friends and social activities because it would worry me so much to simply go to the movies. I wanted to enjoy the little things in life but my mind wouldn’t let me. I started to feel ashamed of my body which had never been the case before.

I feel the way the media (Instagram, etc) portrays the idea of a “perfect” or ideal body shape is extremely destructive on self-esteem. Everyday I am fighting to put Anorexia to rest and live my life as freely as possible! No rules or restrictions and doing what feels right for my body in the moment. Really listening to what it needs. I still struggle from time to time but I will never allow myself to go back to that dark place of feeling emptiness and guilt.

I am learning each and everyday to accept myself for who I am – flaws and all! My body can do so many incredible things and should be treated with care. I met 5 girls working towards a life free of Anorexia while I was in hospital and they are my strength everyday. I believe in myself in the hope they can one day believe in themselves. Despite the circumstances I am so grateful to have met such incredible people when I was at such a low in my life.

Know you are never alone and there are people who understand. Keep fighting; you are beautiful & you are a warrior! ❤️

Story categories

Talk to someone now

Call our National Helpline

1800 33 4673 Chat online Email

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.