They are urging families, schools, and healthcare providers to rethink the warning signs of eating disorders. Eating Disorder Awareness Week is observed from Tuesday (24/2) to Monday (2/3) under the theme Exploring Connection and Community.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a reminder that recovery begins with understanding and connection, said the Family and Marriage Society of SA. The week highlights eating disorders’ impact on individuals, particularly women and girls.

Eating disorders are often seen as a lifestyle choice, but they are serious illnesses that have a severe impact on a person’s health and everyday life, and can often be fatal. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating.

Emotional distress

“Eating disorders are not about food,” said Netcare Akeso occupational therapist Fierdous Achmat. “But eating disorders are more about the emotional distress.

“They affect people from all genders, all shapes and sizes, all age groups, and it is often perceived as a rich people’s or a little girl’s illness. The most important thing is this illness thrives in silence and secrecy.””

I think the main theme for this week is really about replacing the judgement with more curiosity, more compassion. Let’s have conversations helpfully, she said.

While anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are widely recognised, Achmat said binge eating disorder is now the most prevalent eating disorder globally, more common than the two combined.

The disorder affects an estimated 1% to 3% of the population, and it is often overlooked because it does not fit the stereotypical image of an eating disorder.

She also highlighted avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, which is characterised by restrictive eating due to a lack of interest in food, sensory sensitivities, or fear of choking or vomiting.

There is also orthorexia nervosa, best summarised as an obsession with healthy eating with associated restrictive behaviours.

‘Replace judgement with curiosity’

Warning signs include cutting out entire food groups, rigid food rules, obsessive talk about body image, excessive exercise, social withdrawal, long bathroom visits after meals, and unusual food rituals.

“People must replace judgement with curiosity, don’t ask why you are not eating?’ Rather, say, I’ve noticed some changes. What’s going on? 

“The most important step is to break the secrecy. Tell one safe person. If you are struggling, it matters. You will never be sick enough for this illness.”

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OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg