The number of New Zealanders diagnosed with eating disorders is going up, and there are calls for the Government to review what's provided to those suffering.
Last year, 2085 people were diagnosed with eating disorders, an increase on the 1556 diagnosed in 2019, according to the Ministry of Health.
Advocates estimate more than 100,000 people live with illnesses and new research has also pointed to a lack of appropriate care for Māori.
As a result, there are calls for the new government to help rethink the system, beyond simply more money and beds.
Director of the New Zealand Eating Disorders Clinic, Dr Roger Mysliwiec, said: "There should be a good thorough review of what is currently being provided in New Zealand, and what is working, and what is not."
It's estimated 100,000 Kiwis struggle with an eating disorder but Genevieve Mora says the number is likely higher. (Source: Breakfast)
Specialist Kellie Lavender said they saw a noticeable increase in referrals at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, with isolation from lockdowns suspected to be a major contributing factor.
One person who's recovering, Vicki Howard, told 1News that the right treatment for her ended up being a private clinic in Canterbury.
"I was struggling with my eating disorder for probably three to four years and had tried several other places before," she said. "By the time I found Recovered Living, I'd had enough and couldn't deal with it any longer and I knew that this was the place."
For Howard, it was a recent holiday that was a milestone moment for her family, where she experienced no eating disorder-related issues.
Recovered Living founder Kristie Amadio said they were keen to collaborate with the public health system to "ease the burden" on other clinicians.
Rebecca Toms said her daughter has an eating disorder and was kicked off the public wait list for "not being sick enough". (Source: Breakfast)
"We're not a hospital, we're a home, and so clients can come in and feel what is it like to recover in a home-like environment."
Otago University researcher Mau te Rangimarie Clark said more culturally sensitive treatment also needed to be provided for Māori.
"It's not just western body ideas — it's that exposure to adversity, so, including poverty, trauma, and familial dynamics."
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey said he was yet to be briefed by health officials on this matter and he anticipated that advice would be forthcoming in 2024.
"I am very aware of the potentially devastating impact of eating disorders — particularly on our young people, and their whānau — and there needs to be a range of services available in public, private, specialist and general primary care."
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