Maltese people suffer as much as their European counterparts from eating disorders, which have been on the increase for a number of years, but so far no holistic treatment is available and acute cases are only referred to Mater Dei Hospital.
In a new project announced by President George Abela and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi at a press conference earlier this week, the Malta Community Chest Fund will be making a €2 million investment to renovate the dilapidated ex-sisters quarters in Mtarfa where it plans to open the first half-way house for people suffering from eating disorders.
Yesterday morning, President George Abela and Health Minister Joe Cassar signed an agreement by which the health ministry will be providing professionals to help service users at the centre as well as the necessary medical equipment; this will cost approximately €1 million a year to run.
The project, ‘Kenn għal Saħħtek’, will have 33 beds available for people suffering from obesity, anorexia, bulimia and binge eating, within a year. Generally, treatment will be given for a period of four to six months. The idea is to have a welcoming and homely environment where people can get better without going to hospital, with treatment administered by a multidisciplinary team.
The idea came to fruition after President Abela visited a number of similar centres in Italy during a state visit last year.
A survey commissioned by the MCCF showed the problem in Malta is not at all different to that in Europe.
Dr Neville Calleja, Director of Health Information & Research, who delivered a presentation on the survey results, said 0.9 per cent of the population, or some 1,914 people are currently suffering from eating disorders and two per cent of the population, or 4,053 people have suffered in the past.
Whereas 4.7 per cent of women are affected, the rate for men was calculated at 1.2 per cent.
The most common disorder locally is binge eating, which leads to obesity and some 5,000 people are calculated to be morbidly obese. Binge eating affected 57 per cent of sufferers, followed by anorexia with 34 per cent suffering from this eating disorder while 13 per cent suffer from bulimia.
A number of conditions can be diagnosed in people at the same time.
These conditions often start in the late teenage years but can stretch into a person’s forties.
On average, people spend one to four years living with an eating disorder but some people suffer for over 10 years.
Intensive discussions have taken place between the MCCF and the Health Ministry to identify the professionals needed and formulate a sustainable plan. A three-year operational plan has been signed and permits from the Malta Environment and Planning Authority are expected to be issued shortly.
Of the 33 beds being made available, 19 beds will be for obesity problems and 14 for people suffering from anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders.
There will be different kitchens and different sections for people suffering from disorders at the opposite ends of the spectrum and obesity related services would be based more on an outpatient system.
While this project is underway, the MCCF still plans to continue giving the assistance it is known for to families and NGOs in cases of severe illnesses, disabilities and adverse social conditions.
Services as part of Kenn ghal Saħħtek will be given for free.
Prof. Laura de la Ragione, a consultant to the Italian government on the subject and head of two similar centres in Todi and Pieve, described eating disorders as an epidemic.
She said that 10 per cent of girls and young women aged between 10 and 25 suffer from eating disorders and while not all cases are severe, the problem is enormous, as many children aged 8 to 12 are also being affected.
She spoke of the importance of multidisciplinary care and the value of having a place outside hospital without drugs but where intensive and specialised treatment can be given.
“It is very important to seek therapy early before the condition gets worse,” she emphasised while encouraging sufferers not to be afraid to seek help.