Eating Disorder Dietitian

When Should You See an Eating Disorder Dietitian?

You may benefit from seeing a dietitian experienced in eating disorders if you:

Diagnosed with an Eating Disorder

Have you been diagnosed with:

• Anorexia Nervosa

• Bulimia Nervosa

• Binge Eating Disorder

• Pica

• Rumination DisorderAvoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

• Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)

• Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder (UFED)

Many people feel lost, stuck, or unsure where to turn after receiving a diagnosis — and that’s where a specialised dietitian can step in to guide and support you.

Struggle with constant food-related thoughts, guilt, or anxiety

Do you find yourself thinking about food almost all the time? Maybe you’re planning your next meal, worrying about calories, or replaying what you ate with feelings of guilt or shame. These thoughts can feel all-consuming, making it difficult to concentrate at work, enjoy social events, or relax at home. If food feels like it controls your life rather than the other way around, it may be time to seek specialised support.

Engage in restrictive eating, fasting, purging, or excessive exercise

Eating disorders can show up in behaviours that seem “invisible” to others but feel overwhelming to you. You might be cutting out whole food groups, going long periods without eating, forcing yourself to vomit, or exercising even when you’re exhausted or injured. While these behaviours might feel like a way to cope or stay in control, they often take a huge toll on your body and mind. Recognising these habits is a brave first step toward change.

Notice medical symptoms

Sometimes, the body speaks before the mind is ready to. You might notice dizziness, headaches, digestive problems, extreme fatigue, missed or irregular periods or frequent illness. These are signs that your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs. It can be easy to dismiss these symptoms as “normal” or “not serious enough,” but they’re important signals that your health needs attention.

What Training Does an Eating Disorder Dietitian Have?

Jet has worked extensively with eating disorders and disordered eating for over five years. She's trained with Inside Out completing their Eating Disorder certification program.

Why Specialised Care Matters

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions – not simply about food or willpower. Working with a dietitian who specialises in eating disorders ensures your care is evidence-based, trauma-informed, and recovery-focused. General nutrition advice or diets can often make things worse, but a trained eating disorder dietitian provides a safe path forward.

How can a Dietitian Help with Eating Disorders?

Your dietitian will work with you to understand your needs and met regularly with you to make small but achievable changes.

What Does an Eating Disorder Dietitian Do?

An eating disorder dietitian works alongside psychologists, doctors, and other health professionals as part of a treatment team. Their role may include:

• Individualised nutrition support – creating meal plans tailored to your medical needs, food preferences, and stage of recovery.

• Addressing fear foods – helping you safely reintroduce foods that cause anxiety.

• Education – teaching how nutrition affects energy, mood, concentration, and healing.

• Medical monitoring – tracking nutrient intake, hydration, and physical health markers.

• Supporting long-term recovery – guiding you toward flexible, intuitive eating without rigid rules.

Medicare Rebates for Eating Disorders

Your GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist can write an Eating Disorder Plan (EDP) for you. This can entitle you up to 20 sessions with a dietitian each 12 months. This would accompany a psychologist referral for up to 40 sessions.

I’ve completed my Eating Disorder Management Plan but I still need further assurance.

There's several options:

• You may be able to use the GP Chronic Condition Management Plan for a further 5 sessions annually.

• If you have private health insurance extras cover, you may also use this. Private health insurance or Medicare can be used - they can't be used for the same appointment.

• If it's a new calendar year, you might be eligible for another Eating Disorder Plan from your GP for a further 20 sessions

Getting Support

Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. At Body & Brain Centre, our eating disorder dietitians in Moonee Ponds, Melbourne work closely with psychologists and healthcare providers to support your journey. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, reaching out is the first step toward healing your relationship with food and your body.

Appointments are also available online for support across Australia for this specialised field of dietetics.