Let’s Yarn: Body image and eating disorders amongst mob

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience body dissatisfaction and eating disorders as much as the general population. But there are risk factors that are unique to this community, along with some unique pathways to wellness and recovery.

Garra Mundine, a proud Waridjuri, Kamilaroi, Bundjulung and Yuin woman experienced body dissatisfaction and an eating disorder after moving from Country to Sydney. Today, she uses traditional art practices to resist Western ideals of beauty and to express her unique style.

Felicia Foxx is a proud Kamilaroi and Dhunghutti sister-girl who is also a well-known drag performer. For years she struggled with her family’s expectations of what a masculine body type should be—until she realised her slim body was just like her ancestors’.

AJ William-Tchen was bullied as a teenager and says this contributed to his eating disorder which, because he is male, went undiagnosed for years. Today AJ works as a cultural mentor and mental health first aid instructor, helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids to embrace their culture for mental good health.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, Liz Dale and Jed Fraser, explain why culture can be key to wellness in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Let’s yarn!

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