Breaking the stigma on anorexia and eating disorders
27 January 2025
JOHANNESBURG - Have you ever started the new year with high hopes of improving your health, only to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to look a certain way? You're not alone. While setting goals for better wellness is a great idea, focusing too much on weight or appearance can sometimes lead to unintended consequences, like developing an unhealthy relationship with food. Eating disorders, such as Anorexia Nervosa, are more common than many of us realise and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.
Eating disorders aren't just about food; they're deeply connected to how people feel about themselves and their bodies. These conditions can disrupt lives, affecting both physical health and emotional well-being.
About Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa is a serious condition where individuals become obsessed with controlling their weight through extreme measures like limiting food intake or excessive exercise. It's not about vanity; it's a complex mental health challenge that can have long-term effects on both the body and mind.
A recent article by the CMS highlights the long-term effects of anorexia, which include infertility, organ damage, bone density loss, and increased risk of heart failure. With a mortality rate as high as 20%, anorexia is the deadliest mental health disorder. There are two types of Anorexia Nervosa, namely:
- Restrictive Anorexia Nervosa: This involves severely limiting the amount of food eaten, often alongside over-exercising or using appetite suppressants while being marked by intense malnutrition.
- Purgative Anorexia Nervosa: In this type, people may binge on food and then purge by vomiting or misusing laxatives and diuretics. Even small amounts of food can trigger these behaviours.
Early detection is key to effective treatment. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Physical Symptoms:
- Rapid weight loss.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Fatigue and low energy.
- Digestive issues.
- Behavioural Symptoms:
- Avoiding meals or eating tiny portions.
- Exercising excessively, even when tired or injured.
- Using unhealthy methods to control weight, such as vomiting or laxatives.
- Psychological Symptoms:
- Obsessive fear of gaining weight.
- Distorted body image – seeing themselves as overweight despite being underweight.
- Denial of the severity of their condition.
Other common eating disorders
While anorexia is a critical concern, it's not the only eating disorder affecting individuals. Here are two others to be aware of:
- Bulimia Nervosa: People with bulimia often cycle between binge eating and purging. They may feel a lack of control during eating episodes and later compensate through vomiting, laxatives, or extreme exercise.
- Binge-Eating Disorder (BED): Unlike bulimia, BED does not involve purging. Instead, individuals consume large amounts of food in short periods, often feeling guilt or distress afterwards. This condition can lead to obesity and related health challenges.
Medshield's commitment to your wellness
Getting the right help is crucial, and that's where Medshield Medical Scheme comes in. As part of your cover, eating disorders are classified under Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs), ensuring access to necessary care. Medshield offers a range of support for members managing eating disorders.
- Hospital Care: Up to three weeks of inpatient yearly inpatient treatment for severe cases requiring close monitoring.
- Outpatient Care: Up to 15 consultations annually with professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists.
- Medication Support: Coverage for prescribed medications, such as antidepressants, provided they align with the scheme's formulary.
- Designated Service Providers (DSPs): Treatment is available through Medshield's network of providers. Choosing non-DSPs may lead to additional out-of-pocket costs.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with an eating disorder, know that help is available. The journey to recovery begins with reaching out to professionals. Speak with a general practitioner or a specialist experienced in treating eating disorders to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Medshield members can access a wealth of benefits designed to support their recovery journey, so don't hesitate to contact the scheme for guidance. Finally, building a strong support system is invaluable – open up to trusted friends and family and consider joining a support group or community resource to stay motivated.
As you pursue wellness goals, remember that health is more than numbers on a scale. Pay attention to your energy levels, strength, and overall well-being rather than appearance. Aim for realistic and sustainable goals that you can maintain in the long term. Above all, practice kindness toward yourself, celebrate small victories, and don't be too hard on yourself when challenges arise.
If you're dealing with an eating disorder or have questions about your benefits, we're just a call away. Let's make 2025 the year of health, balance, and understanding – together.
FIN
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