Eating Disorder Awareness Week highlights the spectrum of eating disorders
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TODAY marks the start of Eating Disorder Awareness Week, a time to shed light on the often invisible experiences of those who struggle with eating disorders.
Fierdous Achmat, an occupational therapist at Netcare Akeso Montrose Manor in Cape Town, highlights the growing incidence of these disorders, underscoring the urgency for better awareness and early intervention.
According to Achmat, eating disorders represent a complex spectrum of behaviours that can frequently elude detection by both medical professionals and loved ones.
“If someone starts being a picky eater, perhaps, or only eating at certain times, it may be seen by loved ones as a passing fad. If they don’t lose a lot of weight over time, their fussy or unusual eating habits may be overlooked.
"The concern with this, though, is that eating disorders are urgent health crises that need immediate attention. The earlier eating disorders are treated, the better the outcome,” said Achmat.
She said the incidence of eating disorders is rising globally.
“It’s estimated that up to 8.4% of women and 2.2% of men will experience an eating disorder during their lifetime. In southern Africa, screening studies indicate that up to 37.5% of young people may exhibit clinically significant disordered eating attitudes or behaviours,” she said.
Left unchecked, eating disorders can lead to devastating long-term health effects, including cognitive dysfunction, physical complications, and even premature death.
“Left untreated, there’s a real chance of premature death because of various complications and, sadly, even suicide. That’s why professional help is so critical,” said Achmat.
She said the range of eating disorders is beyond the well-known anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, which are often recognised by noticeable weight loss.
Other disorders like binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, pica (craving and consuming things that are not food, like earth), rumination disorder (repeated regurgitation of undigested or partially digested food) and other eating disorders may not always result in noticeable weight loss, added Achmat. She said one can’t just assume that if a person is not skinny, they do not have a serious eating disorder.
Binge eating disorder stands out as the most prevalent, impacting an estimated one to three percent of the population globally.
Achmat said people with eating disorders may be reluctant to seek help.
“The person may shy away from anything that could interfere with the way they manage their food intake. Speak to your family medical practitioner if you need help convincing a loved one to seek assistance. Remember, there’s no time to waste; the sooner they receive treatment, the better,” she said.
Despite the rise in awareness, access to specialist services remains inadequate in South Africa.
“Eating disorders are very difficult to overcome without close support. I can’t stress enough that specialised, holistic treatment is critical to help someone with an eating disorder. It can help to put those affected back on a healthy path and even save lives.”
The profile of someone with an eating disorder is not confined to stereotypes surrounding body size, age, gender, or background.
The causes of eating disorders are varied and include genetics, personality traits, and trauma. Symptoms can range from severe weight loss to uncontrollable bingeing and purging, excessive exercise and dieting, and an abnormal focus on body image.
If someone you know displays any of the traits below, please encourage them to seek help:
Fierdous Achmat, an occupational therapist
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