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Israel's Eating Disorder Crisis
Israel faces a crisis of eating disorders among its youth, with long wait times, insufficient resources, and cultural barriers hindering access to treatment. High teen dieting rates and a lack of specialists exacerbate the problem.
English
Israel
HealthIsraelHealthcareMental HealthTreatmentEating Disorders
Ma’ayanei HayeshuaHealth MinistryClalit’s Ofek Eating Disorder ClinicOur Journey—Forum For Families Facing Eating DisordersKnesset
Prof. Yisrael StraussDr. Yuval RavehRevital OrdanDr. Orna AttiasVicky Richter-Israeli
- What are the main challenges in accessing treatment for eating disorders in Israel?
- The main challenges include long wait times for inpatient treatment (around six months in central Israel), a lack of sufficient staffed beds, and a shortage of specialists trained in treating eating disorders. This leads to significant delays in accessing necessary care.
- What are some potential solutions to address the crisis of eating disorders in Israel?
- Proposed solutions include establishing more treatment facilities, increasing the number of trained specialists, providing culturally sensitive care, and raising public awareness to reduce the stigma surrounding eating disorders and encourage earlier intervention. Addressing these issues will be critical to improving outcomes for those affected.
- What are the underlying causes for the current situation regarding eating disorders in Israel?
- Many factors are contributing to this issue, such as the high rate of teen dieting, insufficient funding for treatment facilities and staff, cultural barriers, the high prevalence of co-occurring mental health conditions, and a lack of awareness about the severity of eating disorders. All of this results in significant delays in treatment.
- What is the estimated prevalence of eating disorders among Israeli youth, and what are the mortality rates?
- Approximately 10% of Israeli youth suffer from eating disorders, with a significantly higher mortality rate among girls (around 20%). This is slightly above the global average, and the situation is exacerbated by a shortage of treatment options and trained specialists.
- What factors contribute to the high rate of eating disorders in Israel, and how do they vary across different communities?
- The high rate of teen dieting in Israel (76%, the highest globally) contributes to the problem, along with cultural and religious factors that delay treatment in some communities. The lack of culturally sensitive care and concerns about spiritual impact are significant barriers for those in religious communities.