EAT FOR HEALTH Australian Dietary Guidelines

EAT FOR HEALTH – AusTRALiAn diETARy guidELinEs

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Guideline 1

1.4.7 Australians of Asian origin

There is little evidence that Australians of Asian origin are at increased risk of overweight, although special

consideration might need to be given to this group in assessing body fatness. The WHO levels of BMI that

correspond to increasing degrees of risk of chronic morbidity and of mortality were primarily derived for

populations of European origin^118 so may not apply to Australians of Asian origin.

Australians of Asian origin have a higher proportion of body fat for the same BMI than Caucasians, so applying

the current WHO BMI cut-off points may underestimate body fatness and comorbidity risk in this population.^118

1.4.8 People with eating disorders

When promoting healthy weight, optimum nutrition and physical activity, it is essential to avoid inadvertently

encouraging disturbed body image and disordered eating or exercise behaviour.^129 Characteristics of disordered

eating, such as restrained eating, binge eating, fear of fatness, purging and distorted body image, are commonly

reported in adolescents, particularly in early adolescence and late teens, but eating disorders may occur at any

age.^129 Estimated lifetime prevalence of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating among women is

in the range of 0.3–1.5%, 0.9–2.1% and 2.5–4.5% respectively, with estimated rates among men considerably

lower.^129 People with suspected eating disorders need to be referred for specialist assistance from

a health professional.

Effective interventions to reduce the risk of eating disorders include:^129

•   promotion of nutritious dietary patterns rather than negative focus on specific foods

•   avoiding stigmatisation of those of various body shapes and weight

•   promotion of media literacy, such as critical evaluation of presented body ideals

•   promotion of good mental health.