About 10% of Israeli youth grapple with eating disorders, with a staggering 20% of affected girls facing fatal outcomes, Prof. Yisrael Strauss, the head of the psychiatric department at Ma’ayanei Hayeshua, cautioned during a Knesset session on Tuesday. The meeting, held by the Health and Child Rights Committee, aimed to confront the critical and growing shortage of treatment facilities for these life-threatening disorders.
Dr. Yuval Raveh, who leads the Child Psychiatry Department at the Health Ministry, revealed that while 32 beds and accompanying staff had been earmarked for eating disorder treatment, 12 of these essential beds in central Israel currently remain unstaffed. “In areas where beds are staffed,” he stated, “we’ve seen a significant reduction in the problem,” indicating that proper resources could yield tangible results.
Currently, patients seeking inpatient treatment in central Israel face wait times of approximately six months. Revital Ordan, the head of outpatient mental health services at the Health Ministry, noted that the dire shortage of specialists trained specifically in eating disorder treatment is compounding these issues.
Prof. Strauss further emphasized that around 10% of Israeli adolescents, encompassing both boys and girls, are afflicted by eating disorders—a statistic that slightly exceeds the global average. He poignantly remarked that “about 20% of affected girls do not survive,” shedding light on the grim reality that 80-90% of these girls have also endured sexual abuse. This alarming data makes it clear that culturally sensitive treatment is of utmost importance.
Iris Ben-Yaakov from the Education Ministry illuminated the proactive steps being taken, explaining that teachers and counselors receive training to identify early signs of eating disorders and to alert parents for timely intervention. “An untreated eating disorder in one student,” she cautioned, “can lead other girls in the class to develop similar issues,” highlighting the contagious nature of such disorders in vulnerable environments.
Israel reports the highest rate globally of teen dieting
Dr. Orna Attias, the director of Clalit’s Ofek Eating Disorder Clinic in the Southern District, shared troubling insights, revealing that professional studies indicate about 30% of young women suffer from eating disorders. The statistics are staggering, with 76% of teens reporting dieting—marking Israel as having the highest rate globally—while roughly 10% meet the clinical criteria for an eating disorder. “About 30% of these patients suffer from chronic conditions,” she explained, “resulting in severe functional impairments across physical, reproductive, emotional, and social areas.”
Delays in treatment are particularly pronounced in religious and ultra-Orthodox communities, where cultural sensitivities and concerns about spiritual repercussions often hinder timely care. Dr. Attias noted that individuals from these communities tend to seek help much later, frequently when the disorder has intensified. Ma’ayanei Hayeshua’s 14-bed department stands as the only religious inpatient facility worldwide, catering to both Israeli and international patients, filling a critical gap in the healthcare system.
Vicky Richter-Israeli, a representative from Our Journey—Forum for Families Facing Eating Disorders, brought attention to the escalating demand for support since the onset of the war, stating, “We’ve seen a 77% increase in requests to join support groups run by our organization,” underscoring a desperate need for resources.
As wait times for treatment soar past six months, parents often find themselves thrust into the role of primary caregivers, shouldering the emotional burden along with the financial strain of private care, which can exceed 6,000 shekels per month. “Despite repeated calls for change, no action has been taken—our children are not getting the care they need,” she lamented. “It’s time to stop talking and start making changes.”
Health Committee Chair MK Yoni Mashriki (Shas) passionately underscored the urgent need to reduce wait times by establishing more facilities, such as stabilization homes. “Youth in distress deserve a swift and compassionate response,” he asserted, pointing out the alarming fact that Jerusalem, which serves nearly one million residents, has only six beds available for these critical cases. Children’s Rights Committee Chair Eli Dallal (Likud) echoed these sentiments, affirming that the current resources are starkly insufficient, exacerbating the already dire conditions for young patients.
**Interview with Prof. Yisrael Strauss: A Discussion on the Alarming Rise of Eating Disorders Among Israeli Youth**
**Editor:** Thank you, Prof. Strauss, for joining us today to discuss the concerning issue of eating disorders among Israeli youth. You mentioned during the recent Knesset session that around 10% of adolescents are affected. Can you elaborate on the challenging reality this demographic faces?
**Prof. Strauss:** Thank you for having me. Yes, it’s a grave situation. Approximately 10% of Israeli youth are struggling with eating disorders, and alarmingly, about 20% of those affected girls do not survive. This statistic does not just highlight the severity of the disorders but also reflects deeper societal issues, including a significant link to past trauma, as around 80-90% of these girls have experienced sexual abuse. This underscores the urgent need for culturally sensitive and comprehensive treatment options.
**Editor:** That’s a heartbreaking reality. During the session, Dr. Raveh mentioned a shortage of treatment facilities, specifically mentioning unstaffed beds. How does this impact the youth seeking help?
**Prof. Strauss:** The shortage is critical. Currently, even though we have designated 32 beds for treatment, about 12 remain unstaffed, which significantly limits access to care. In central Israel, the wait time for inpatient treatment can stretch up to six months. This delay can be detrimental, as timely intervention is vital for successful recovery. Where facilities are well-staffed, we see marked improvements in patient outcomes.
**Editor:** It seems that early identification is crucial in addressing these disorders. Iris Ben-Yaakov noted that training for teachers and counselors is being implemented. How effective do you believe these proactive measures will be in combating the issue?
**Prof. Strauss:** I believe these measures are essential. Educators play a pivotal role in the lives of adolescents and are often among the first to notice changes in behavior. Training them to identify early signs of eating disorders can facilitate timely intervention, potentially saving lives. However, it’s also critical to engage parents and create an environment supportive of open communication about mental health.
**Editor:** Dr. Attias raised concerns about the high dieting rate among teens in Israel, claiming it’s the highest globally. What factors do you think contribute to this trend, and how can we reverse it?
**Prof. Strauss:** Various cultural factors contribute to the youth’s obsession with dieting, including societal pressures and media portrayals of body image. To reverse this trend, we need a multifaceted approach that includes education on healthy body image, promoting self-esteem, and ensuring access to mental health resources. We must also address underlying issues such as societal trauma and stigma around seeking help.
**Editor:** as we conclude, what message would you like to share with parents and caregivers regarding eating disorders?
**Prof. Strauss:** I want to emphasize the importance of vigilance and support. If you notice any concerning changes in your child’s eating habits or mental health, seek help immediately. Open discussions about body image and emotional well-being can also foster a supportive environment at home. Ultimately, awareness and compassion can make a significant difference in addressing this urgent issue.
**Editor:** Thank you, Prof. Strauss, for your insights and for shedding light on this critical issue affecting our youth. We hope for continued progress in addressing and treating eating disorders in Israel.
