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.
15 October 2026
On Thursday 15 October, we welcomed parents, students and staff to the Great Hall for our Respectful Relationships Education community event, 'Growing Up in the Age of Algorithms'. The evening reflected the School’s commitment to partnering with families on some of the most significant issues facing young people today, creating space for informed discussion, shared learning and meaningful engagement around the challenges and opportunities of life in an increasingly connected digital world.
15 October 2026
Participants of the Knox Leader Development Program recently gathered in the Bryden Room to present their leadership projects and reflect on their development as leaders. It was an inspiring occasion, with staff sharing their vision and purpose, achievements and future goals, leadership journey, and key learnings gained through the process.
08 October 2026
Year 12 student Nathan represented Australia for the third time in the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI), travelling to Uzbekistan in Term 3 to compete with hundreds of students from dozens of countries across the globe.
