Lauren, 35, Adelaide, is a mental health peer support worker and mother-to-three. One of her earliest memories, at just four years of age, was feeling self-conscious about her tummy in a swimsuit.
Lauren’s struggle with restrictive eating began during late childhood when she noticed her older sister, four years her senior, was smaller than her. She responded by limiting her food intake and weighing herself multiple times in order to lose weight.
At 12 years of age, she was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa by her GP. Involving psychiatric and physical symptoms,1, 2 this serious and complex illness is marked by extreme food restriction, and significant, and often dangerous, weight loss.3 Lauren was immediately referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for support, where she was diagnosed with depression and anxiety – conditions that frequently co-occur with an eating disorder.4, 5
Severe morning sickness during her first pregnancy led to significant weight loss, intensifying her eating disorder symptoms after birth.
Despite being initially hesitant, Lauren was encouraged by her dad to join a day program at an eating disorder service, which marked the start of her recovery.
With her sister having lived through a similar experience, Lauren strongly suspects genetics may contribute to the development of an eating disorder.
She has chosen to participate in the Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative 2 (EDGI 2) – the world’s largest genetic investigation of eating disorders ever performed, that aims to identify the hundreds of genes that influence a person’s risk of developing the complex, devastating illnesses of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), to improve treatment, and ultimately, save lives.
EDGI2 follows the ground-breaking advances made in the initial EDGI investigation and collaborative Anorexia Nervosa Genetics Initiative (ANGI), in which researchers, including the EDGI team, identified the first eight regions of the genome for anorexia nervosa that implicate both psychiatric and metabolic causes for the condition.
This was a total surprise and a finding that urgently needs replication and expansion to fully understand the pathways that lead to this debilitating condition – hence the need for a much larger sample size and participants who have experienced ALL eating disorders, which is the aim of the EDGI2.
Today, Lauren has decided to share her story to raise community awareness and understanding of living with an eating disorder, and to urge those who are currently afflicted to seek help and support.
This is Lauren’s story.
Lauren began feeling insecure about her body at four years of age.
“I was self-conscious about my tummy showing and felt an overwhelming urge to cover up. The embarrassment never really went away,” said Lauren.
Over time, Lauren started to compare herself with her sister.
“She tried on my netball skirt, and it was too big for her. I couldn’t understand how my older sister was smaller than me.
“I started restricting my food, adopting an obsessive diet that cut out everything except meat. I had no carbs or bread,” Lauren said.
“I found myself stepping on the scales multiple times a day, I was obsessed with my weight.”
Growing concerned for her welfare, Lauren’s father took her to the GP, who diagnosed her with anorexia nervosa.
“I was terrified people would think I had an eating disorder, and try to stop me from losing weight.
“Anorexia nervosa took over every part of my life. It felt like no one truly knew me, or recognised what I was going through,” said Lauren.
Over the ensuing 14 years, Lauren continued to wrestle with her eating disorder.
“I wasn’t managing it – I was just maintaining a certain weight to keep others happy, but nothing was changing in my mind.”
During her first pregnancy, Lauren lost weight due to an illness unrelated to anorexia but after giving birth, the experience triggered a renewed desire to lose weight, intensifying her struggle with anorexia nervosa.
“I hated my body, but kept pushing through because my baby was my priority. As soon as he was born, all I could think about was losing weight,” Lauren said.
It wasn’t until the new mum turned 26 years of age, that she sought professional help, and commenced her recovery.
“My dad stepped in again and told me I needed help. If he hadn’t, I honestly don’t think I would be here today,” said Lauren.
“My child gave me a reason to fight, and to get help.”
Given her sister’s similar experience, Lauren suspects genetics may contribute to an eating disorder.
“My eating disorder was triggered by many factors, and it’s important we look at what role genetics plays,” Lauren said.
Lauren has important advice for all Australians living with an eating disorder.
“Get help as soon as possible. Don’t let embarrassment stop you.
“The sooner you act, the better your chance of recovery. Should a GP dismiss you, be sure to advocate for yourself,” said Lauren.
To volunteer for, or learn more about the Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative 2, head to edgi2.org.au or email edgi2@qimrb.edu.au.
Should you suspect you, or a loved one, may be living with an eating disorder, speak to your local healthcare practitioner without delay, or head to insideoutinstitute.org.au to complete their online screener and assessment, and to access more information and professional support.
Australian professional patient support services offering 24/7 helpline services include:
oButterfly National Helpline: 1800 334 673
oBeyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
oLifeLine: 13 11 14
oMen’s Line Australia: 1300 78 99 78
oKids Help Line: 1800 55 1800
