Even though we don't fully understand all the causes of eating disorders just yet we do know that recovery is possible. From a biological point of view, certain genes which affect food intake, appetite, metabolism, mood, and reward pleasure responses could play a part. We also know that certain personality traits could make people more vulnerable. Things like perfectionism, neuroticism, and low self esteem. So short of genetic engineering or a personality transplant, do we really have any chance of recovery?
The good news is that there are many factors we can control and they can make all the difference.
In this episode Sam Ikin talks to people who have been there and recovered to find out what works for them.
Mia Findlay, for example, found recovery from her eating disorder after seven long and painful years. Now she works to help others get there as a recovery coach.
Rupert suffered as a teenager and into early adulthood but is now proud to say he has recovered. It was a long and rocky road and he encourages anyone who is walking the same path to look at little setbacks part of the process.
Astrid Welling suffered for almost 30 years before she even realised that recovery was possible for her.
Over a million Australians are currently experiencing an eating disorder, and less than a quarter are getting treatment or support. And it’s becoming increasingly clear that eating disorders are often under diagnosed. Everyone who experiences an eating disorder has a unique story to tell.
The Butterfly podcast is produced, hosted and edited by journalist Sam Ikin, who has lived experience of binge eating disorder, in partnership with Butterfly.
To find out more about eating disorders, visit the Butterfly Foundation website www.butterfly.org.au.

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