Recent times have witnessed a shift for people to be committed to living a “healthier” lifestyle – eating well and exercising appropriately – which can be a good thing. However, when eating, exercise and body weight or shape become an unhealthy preoccupation, this can indicate disordered eating (Eating Disorders Victoria, 2019).
When we hear the words ‘eating disorder’ and ‘body image’ we often think of teenage girls - but research shows that males make up approximately 25-40% of people with eating disorders (National Eating Disorder Collaboration; NEDC).
The associated stigma for young men can lead to poor help-seeking, meaning this estimate is likely quite conservative.
We also know that adolescence is the peak risk period for development of eating disorders. Athletes and students with a strong passion for sport may be especially vulnerable to developing eating disorders, particularly sports that emphasise weight and aesthetic ideals. For these reasons, it’s vital that our school community – our parents, staff and students – are mindful of the language we use around weight, shape and size, and the potential repercussions negative language can have on our impressionable students.
Being aware of the ‘red flags’ around disordered eating is one way we can best support our students. With male adolescents in particular, we might notice the following warning signs:
Additional warning signs may include:
So how can we best support our students who are struggling with disordered eating or poor body image? Your GP is a great ‘first base’ for help and can refer you to a health practitioner who specialises in eating disorders. Further information can also be found at:
The Knox Wellbeing Team is also able to support Knox families - please contact the Knox Wellbeing Centre reception via phone at 02 9119 0828 or via email at psychologistsreception@knox.nsw.edu.au.
10 August 2026
Last Saturday’s final rounds in 2026 Winter Sport season marked the conclusion of another outstanding chapter in Knox Sport.
07 August 2026
“Visual Arts deepens our understanding of ourselves, our communities, and the world around us,” says Wendy Shearer (Visual Arts Teacher and Head of Department, Senior School). “Through creative practice, students explore ideas, communicate experiences, and develop personal ways of seeing and interpreting the world. Art becomes both a form of expression and a means of connecting across time, place, and culture.
31 July 2026
Year 11 student Lukas will represent Australia at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships in Canada this August, a significant achievement that reflects years of dedication, discipline and hard work in and out of the pool.
