Economic Pressures on Eating Disorders with Psychologist & Director, Sarah McMahon

Understanding Body Matters Podcast

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be bringing on the podcast our much loved guest and Director here at BodyMatters Australasia Sarah McMahon. Sarah is a Registered Psychologist and the Director of BodyMatters Australasia which is an eating disorder treatment clinic based in Sydney, Cremorne. BMA utilises the discipline of Psychologists, Dieticians, Paediatricians, Social workers, Psychotherapists, as well as multiple other stakeholders. Sarah Co- Founded BodyMatters with Lydia Turner in 2009 as a way to go beyond the biomedical model in the treatment of eating disorders. Sarah is also the Founder of the grassroots advocacy group 'Collective Shout' where she has Chaired the organisation for six of its eight years.

Sarah has been involved in organisations such as Lifeline and is a Founding Member and Board Member of 'Endangered Bodies'. Where Sarah was also on the ANZAED Carer Consumer Committee. Sarah Holds a Masters in Public Health and is passionate about educating the community on eating disorders. Where Sarah is a regular voice in the Media. Sarah has written several book chapters including the body image & eating disorder chapter in Steve Biddulph's 2013 international best seller 'Raising Girls' and contributed to Collet Smart's 2019 book "They'll be okay: 15 Conversations to Help Your Child Through Troubled Times". More recently, she has been interviewed extensively in Kasey Edwards & Christopher Scanlons "Raising Girls Who Like Themselves". Where Sarah has also worked with schools, workplaces, charities, and many more organisational bodies in the fight towards a culture without the dominating presence of eating disorders.

That is why I am so excited to be bringing Sarah back on the podcast to speak about the topic of the current economic pressures on Eating Disorders. During periods of stress and uncertainty lots of people’s ability to cope can quickly lapse. That is why on this week’s episode Sarah goes through the impact of the pressures of the cost of living on the presentation of eating disorders. As a way to encourage people during difficult times it is really even more important to reach out for help. Especially the right mental health support for the treatment and recovery from an Eating Disorder. So, on that note, let's jump right into the topic of money, negative feelings around money, being committed to recovery and the importance of seeking support when struggling with your mental health. Enjoy!

Podcast Summary:

1. The impact of stress and uncertainty on the presentation of eating disorders

2. The impact of the cost of living on recovery

3. Food insecurity and the way families are talking about food

4. Not justifying food restriction because of the economic crisis

5. Prioritising Eating Disorder recovery and treatment

6. Using your recovery tool kit during difficult times

Links to BodyMatters:

BodyMatters Australasia Website: https://bodymatters.com.au/

BodyMatters Instagram: @bodymattersau

Butterfly Foundation Helpline: Call their National Helpline on 1800 33 4673. You can also chat online or email

Budget friendly recipe sites:

Woolworths: Budget Recipes –Woolworths Recipes

Australia’s Best Recipes: 100 budget family meals to help lower the grocery bill

Taste: Top 50 budget meals