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.
25 June 2025
“We were motivated to invent a tool that would help the community and society, by making an application not just for us students,” said Daniel (Year 11). “From what I’ve observed, our Student Administration Officer takes a lot of phone calls about student absence, and she could have more time to be focused on more meaningful tasks.”
24 June 2025
Titration Club launched in Term 2 with great success, attracting more than 40 Years 11-12 Chemistry students. Each week, students performed precise analytical titrations in preparation for the NSW National Titration Competition, held on Friday 13 June at the University of Technology Sydney.
20 June 2025
Knox Grammar School’s Senior School Instrumental Ensembles have delivered exceptional performances across all divisions at the 2025 Sydney Eisteddfod. Returning to a full suite of Eisteddfod performances this year, our Knox Academy of Performing Arts (KAPA) proudly celebrates our best overall results to date, including first place in every Secondary School Premium Section entered.
