Almost one million Australians suffer from an eating disorder, costing the nation a staggering $70 billion a year, new research shows.
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Illawarra families affected by eating disorders hope the Paying the Price report launched by the Butterfly Foundation yesterday, will expose the devastating social and economic costs of the disorders.
The report estimates there are 914,000 Australians with an eating disorder, with Deloitte Access Economics putting the total social and economic cost at $69.7 billion this year.
Mortality rates are almost twice as high for people with eating disorders than in the general population.
A total of 1828 people have died from eating disorders so far in 2012 - 515 males and 1313 females.
"Until now, we had no idea that the socioeconomic impact of eating disorders was comparable to around 2 per cent of Australia's GDP," Butterfly Foundation CEO Christine Morgan said.
"The number of annual deaths for eating disorders is higher than the 2011 Australian road toll."
The Butterfly Foundation wants state and federal governments to resolve the issue of mental health funding "to ensure individuals don't fall through the cracks".
"Our health system must be capable of recognising and responding to eating disorders. To do this, acute sector and community service providers need to have the necessary protocols and specialist knowledge for early identification and care for people with eating disorders."
Rebekah McAlinden, who has battled anorexia and bulimia, hopes the report will put eating disorders in the spotlight.
"My eating disorder stripped from me so much goodness ... my relationships with my friends and family, my independence, my ability to make wise decisions," the Gerringong woman said.
For help or support call Butterfly 1800 334 673. For Rebekah's blog about recovery visit risforrecovery.wordpress.com.
