Eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, adn obesity, have been on the rise globally for years, with a notable increase in Germany, particularly among girls and young women as the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the KKH Commercial health insurance company indicates a notable surge in cases of anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating from 101 cases in the pre-pandemic year of 2019 to 150 cases in 2023, predominantly affecting individuals aged 12 to 17, based on a sample of 10,000 insured persons.

Understanding the Rise in Eating Disorders

To understand this concerning trend and provide guidance to relatives of those affected, insights are offered by Professor Stephan Zipfel, medical director of the department of psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy at the Medical University Clinic in Tübingen.

According to Professor zipfel, the increase in mental illnesses among young people is a global trend observed over the past two decades, especially in industrialized nations. Researchers in “The Lancet Psychiatry Commission on Youth Mental Health” attribute this rise to global trends such as social changes, social media, wars, and climate change. These developments lead to increasing distress, alienation and increased loneliness, explains Zipfel.

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated measures, such as lockdowns, exacerbated this already stressful situation for young people. It was previously an increasingly stressful overall situation, especially for young people, and the covid pandemic and accompanying measures such as the Lockdown led to another, very clear increase, says Zipfel. The spatial and social isolation within the nuclear family led to increased stress and conflicts, particularly for already vulnerable groups.

Moreover,there were no or only very limited opportunities to exchange ideas with other young people,personal contact with non -family confidants such as social pedagogical or teacher. The disruption of consulting and treatment services further compounded the issue, preventing early intervention for psychological problems. This resulted in a very toxic situation, so that those affected have developed a really pronounced eating disorder.

The Psychology Behind Eating Disorders

Professor Zipfel explains that eating disorders frequently enough revolve around the concept of control. When I realize that life that my life glides out of my hands, there is a group of people who try to regain this access to their lives by controlling their eating behavior, their weight. He adds that appetite and weight regulation are basic needs deeply rooted in human evolution. Only a small group of people can be found out of this basic need? This experience of control is initially associated with a good feeling for those affected.

Over time, the self -esteem, the self -image that self -confidence increasingly depends on how I use my body, control my appetite. Zipfel describes this as I -synnton, that is, connected to yourself, actually almost baked, indicating that the disease can become deeply ingrained in the individual’s personality.

Pathways to Recovery

Despite the severity of eating disorders, Professor Zipfel emphasizes that they are treatable and curable.He cites a follow-up examination of a psychotherapy treatment study on anorexia, where, five years after the end of therapy, 41% of patients were classified as recovered. This means that there was no symptom shift, but they actually show no abnormalities in the area of ​​eating disorder or in the area of ​​other mental illness.

Recovery is a process that requires a comprehensive treatment plan.One of the great ambivalences for those affected is: I get involved in therapy – because then I also have to say goodbye to this ability, which also stabilizes me, namely that I can control very basal needs.

Seeking help is often challenging for those affected. People with an eating disorder do not necessarily look for help, but are frequently enough scraped away, says Zipfel. It is indeed a challenge for family and friends how they deal with this situation.

Supporting Loved Ones

Professor Zipfel stresses that family and friends should not feel solely responsible. It is important that friends and family understand that they are not solely responsible. He clarifies, If I am of course in the situation as a parents, this is a different situation than that as a teacher or a teacher. And that’s why you always have to look: who can bear responsibility?

Friends can offer support by suggesting professional help.Let’s go to Ms. X or Y, our school social worker, and talk to them together, is a helpful approach. He also recommends advice centers, noting, You are comparatively low -threshold and offer a professional context in which those affected can receive initial support.

Effective Communication Strategies

Avoid blame and scolding, as this often triggers defensiveness. Rather, focus on the relationship. If I have a relationship with someone in whatever function, it is important that I say first: “you, I notice that you are probably not doing well, and that hurts me, and I would like to help you and be aside.”

Understand that eating disorders are frequently enough an attempted solution to deeper issues. Then I can understand the need and suffering of those affected much better – and can then deal better with a more nasty reaction.

Resources

For more information,resources are available from the Federal Center for Health Education: https://www.bzga-essstoerungen.de/. You can also get advice by calling the BZGA phone number 0221 892031 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.