In South Africa, eating disorders are severe mental health illnesses that impact people of all ages, genders, races, and origins. The abnormal obsessions with food, weight, and body image that characterise these disorders result in harmful eating patterns and extreme distress.

 

Studies have indicated that eating disorders impact all racial populations in South Africa, even though the exact rates of these ailments are difficult to quantify due to inadequate research.

 

In South Africa, eating disorders are not exclusive to metropolitan or "Western" environments, despite what some people may believe. In the country 40.1% of patients receiving treatment for eating disorders at a tertiary hospital in South Africa had bulimia nervosa, 33.3% had Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS), and 26.5% had anorexia nervosa, according to a study.

 

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Types of Eating Disorder

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Anorexia nervosa - Characterised by an extreme fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and severe food restriction. Though not everyone with anorexia is thin, it's crucial to remember that some people with the disorder can become dangerously underweight.

 

Bulimia Nervosa - Binge eating episodes are followed by compensatory actions such as self-induced vomiting, overindulgent exercise, or inappropriate use of laxatives.

 

Binge eating disorder - This condition is characterised by frequent episodes of consuming enormous amounts of food quickly, frequently accompanied by emotions of shame and helplessness.

 

Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS): This group comprises eating disorders that are severe symptoms that need to be treated even though they don't fully fit the definition of anorexia or bulimia.

 

 

Symptoms and signs

 

The likelihood of recovery can be significantly increased by treating eating problems as soon as they are diagnosed. Typical cautionary indicators include the following:

• Significant weight fluctuations

• Obsession with diets, food, and calories

• Overdoing it on the exercise

• Frequent visits to the loo following meals

• Social disengagement, particularly at mealtimes

• Erratic emotions and irritation

• Physical signs including exhaustion, light-headedness, or stomach problems

 

Treatment

 

In South Africa, treatment for eating disorders usually includes a multidisciplinary approach that includes:

• Psychotherapy

• Nutritional support

• Medical observation

• Medication (sometimes)

• Hospitalisation or inpatient care may be required in extreme circumstances. 

 

 

Several organisations assist those who suffer from eating disorders, such as the weekly support meetings that are held by Eating Disorders South Africa (EDSA) for people over 18 who suffer from bulimia or anorexia.