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Rebecca Papprill of Ōrewa is dedicated to raising awareness and improving support for people with eating disorders. She is the founder of WithLoveED and soon to be a certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach, committed to empowering individuals as they heal.
“Eating disorders are complex, deeply personal struggles, yet they are far more common than many realise. I know this firsthand. When my daughter developed an eating disorder during the first COVID lockdown, we were thrown into the harsh reality of New Zealand’s mental health system, a system that left families like mine lost, unsupported and desperate for help. It was isolating and frustrating. We quickly realised that the system wasn’t just flawed but failing.
In 2021, I submitted a petition to Parliament, urgently calling for better care, more resources and a fundamental shift in treating this life-threatening illness. The following year, the government allocated $3.9 million for eating disorder services over four years, a step in the right direction but nowhere near enough. Recently, there have been promises to refresh the national eating disorder strategy, focusing on peer support and prevention. But will this truly change the landscape for families still struggling to access timely, effective treatment? How many more people will fall through the cracks before real progress is made?
It is estimated 70 per cent of people with eating disorders in New Zealand do not have access to the help they need, with an estimate that about 103,000 Kiwi’s, female and male, are struggling with an eating disorder.
Out of this painful journey, I founded WithLoveED, a support network for families and individuals with lived experience, a place where those affected by eating disorders don’t have to feel alone. While advocacy has led to some improvements, the fight is far from over.
Eating disorders are not just numbers, they are among the deadliest mental illnesses, second only to opioid overdose. They demand urgent, specialised care. No one should lose their life to an eating disorder, yet without meaningful reform, countless individuals will continue to suffer unnecessarily.
This experience has also shaped my next steps. I am currently training to become a certified eating disorder recovery coach at the Carolyn Costin Institute, a global leader in the field. One of the biggest challenges I faced was not recognising the early warning signs of an eating disorder. Another was finding the right support. I don’t want other families to go through the same struggles.”
What You Can Do at Home
Your support can make a difference if your loved one is struggling. Here are ways to create a safe and healing environment: Educate yourself – Understanding the complexities of eating disorders is the first step to providing meaningful support • Communicate with care – Avoid conversations about weight, food or appearance. Instead, focus on building trust and offering unconditional support • Foster a safe space – Create a home environment where your loved one feels understood rather than judged • Be patient – Recovery isn’t linear. Celebrate small victories and show unwavering encouragement • Seek professional guidance – Explore support groups, peer coaching, or online resources while waiting for treatment.
Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa: An intense fear of gaining weight, leading to severe food restriction and extreme thinness.
Bulimia Nervosa: Binge eating followed by purging (vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxatives) to prevent weight gain.
Binge Eating Disorder: Repeated episodes of eating large amounts of food without purging, often resulting in guilt and distress.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Avoiding certain foods due to sensory issues, fear of choking, or lack of interest in food can lead to nutritional problems.
Orthorexia: An obsession with eating only healthy foods to the point of it negatively affecting daily life and health.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED): Eating disorders that don’t fit the exact criteria of other types but still involve significant struggles with food and body image.
Where to Find Support in NZ
Finding support for eating disorders in New Zealand can feel overwhelming, but there are resources available to help:
Doctors: Your GP is often the first point of contact for accessing medical support and referrals. If you suspect an eating disorder, be sure to mention this to your doctor so they can guide you toward appropriate care.
Specialist Eating Disorder Services: Both public and private providers offer specialised treatment for eating disorders. Be aware that public and private waitlists can be long, so it may be helpful to explore multiple options.
Helplines and Support Networks
WithLoveED – A private Facebook community offering expert interviews, lived experience stories, and valuable resources for both carers and individuals with eating disorders.
EDANZ (Eating Disorder Association of New Zealand) – A support platform for carers, offering monthly support groups and a dedicated helpline: 0800 2 EDANZ (0800 2 33269).
Peer Support and Coaching: Recovery coaches trained in eating disorder support provide guidance and lived-experience insight for those on their recovery journey.
Books and Resources: Eight Keys to Recovery From An Eating Disorder and Family-Based Treatment for Eating Disorders Piece by Piece – A Practical Guide for Parents
Story by Rebecca Papprill
