Guidelines Dietary - Eat For Health

Guideline 11.4.7 Australians of Asian originThere is little evidence that Australians of Asian origin are at increased risk of overweight, although specialconsideration might need to be given to this group in assessing body fatness. The WHO levels of BMI thatcorrespond to increasing degrees of risk of chronic morbidity and of mortality were primarily derived forpopulations 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 applyingthe current WHO BMI cut-off points may underestimate body fatness and comorbidity risk in this population. 1181.4.8 People with eating disordersWhen promoting healthy weight, optimum nutrition and physical activity, it is essential to avoid inadvertentlyencouraging disturbed body image and disordered eating or exercise behaviour. 129 Characteristics of disorderedeating, such as restrained eating, binge eating, fear of fatness, purging and distorted body image, are commonlyreported in adolescents, particularly in early adolescence and late teens, but eating disorders may occur at anyage. 129 Estimated lifetime prevalence of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating among women isin the range of 0.3–1.5%, 0.9–2.1% and 2.5–4.5% respectively, with estimated rates among men considerablylower. 129 People with suspected eating disorders need to be referred for specialist assistance froma 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.28EAT FOR HEALTH – australian dietary guidelinesNational Health and Medical Research Council