More aid for people suffering from eating disorders

Young people suffering from eating disorders will be able to get better support in the future, under an agreement initiated by Belgium’s public health minister Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit).

Vandenbroucke is releasing a budget of €11.4 million to provide better aid for the approximately one in five young people in Belgium who suffer from an eating disorder, RTBF reports.

The minister reached an agreement with the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI) on an increased intervention for young people up to the age of 23.

The budget increase will also be used to cover the cost of a visit to a dietician.

Mathieu Van Leer, a psychiatrist in charge of the eating disorders unit at Le Domaine hospital in Braine l'Alleud, said that 17 young patients are currently hospitalised there for anorexia nervosa or bulimia.

“We have a waiting list that varies between three weeks and sometimes two months,” said Van Leer.

“In the meantime, these patients are not treated. Reinforcing the network and ambulatory aids will enable us to make progress with the treatment before considering hospitalisation.”

From 1 February, patients will be reimbursed for 20 consultations a year with a psychologist and 15 consultations with a dietician.

A dozen specialist support teams will also be set up to respond to requests from frontline health professionals.