An Eating Disorders Resource for Health and Fitness Professionals

This 50-page manual was developed as part of the Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria and the Victorian Centre of Excellence in Eating Disorders (CEED) education strategy. It is specially designed for people working in the health and fitness industry, including fitness and class instructors and personal trainers. Health and fitness professionals are in an ideal position to identify and respond to people at risk of developing, or who developed an eating disorder, as athletes are considered to be at a higher risk than the general population.

This resource was developed to help health and fitness professionals assist in the prevention and early detection of eating disorders and to encourage timely referral of people with eating disorders to specialist professionals. The following topics are covered:

Identification
� Information about eating disorders
� Risk factors for eating disorders
� Warning signs

Intervention and Support
� What to do when somebody is at risk
� Preparation for different reactions
� Supporting people with eating, body image and exercise problems

Prevention
� How eating disorders can be prevented
� Normal growth and development
� Nutrition and exercise information
� Promoting positive body image

Additional Information
� Policy development
� BMI and body image information
� Referral information
� Reading and resource list

It is not expected that health and fitness professionals will be able to diagnose an eating disorder through familiarity with the manual; rather they will be able to actively prevent eating disorders and appropriately encourage and support an athlete who is believed to be at risk to seek the appropriate treatment.