It is estimated that 9% of the population of Australia has an eating disorder. Eating disorders can affect all ages, but typically peaks in adolescent years. Research on the prevalence in eating disorders in Australia show that it is the third most chronic illness among young females, and is the second leading cause of mental illness.

In adults, less than 50% recover within five years of diagnosis, but in children, evidence based treatments, such as the Maudsley Model improve recovery rates up to 70% after 12 months, and 90% after five years. Early diagnosis can improve outcomes and reduce complications such as growth retardation, impaired bone health, cognitive impairment, disruption of pubertal development, infertility, depression, anxiety, and death. read more