Sharp rise in eating disorders among young women

The number of eating disorders diagnosed in girls and young women in Saxony has risen by almost 40 percent over the past five years, according to an analysis by Barmer. In 2018, an average of 10 out of every 1,000 young women in Saxony were treated for an eating disorder; in 2023, the rate was 14.4 per 1,000, according to the health insurance company.

Social media platforms propagate thin models

The health insurance company warned of a trend that is putting young women in particular under pressure. On social media platforms, formats such as "Skinny Tok" propagate an extremely slim body image. "The content displayed on networks such as Instagram and Tiktok by supposedly "beautiful" thin models and influencers must be viewed very critically, as they can exert immense social pressure," said Claudia Beutmann, Managing Director of Barmer in Saxony.

It is important to deal responsibly and skeptically with the content so that young people do not develop pathological self-images and psychological ailments, she continued. If engaging with certain influencers is not good for you, it is advisable to consistently unfollow them. Avoiding social media at least temporarily, known as a digital detox, can also help to improve well-being.

Highest rate of illness in Leipzig

Eating disorders are most prevalent in Leipzig among girls and women between the ages of 12 and 29. The rate here is 21.7 per 1,000, followed by the district of Görlitz (18.9 per 1,000) and the cities of Dresden (16.4) and Chemnitz (15.7). According to the analysis, the lowest rate is in the district of Central Saxony (5.9).

Health insurance company warns against "risky self-optimization"

"The turn of the year is an opportunity to rethink old habits and establish new, healthy routines. It should not be the starting signal for risky self-optimization, because diet trends carry the risk of unbalanced nutrition and health disadvantages," explained Beutmann. Families should pay close attention to warning signs and seek professional help at an early stage if in doubt.

According to Barmer, there are several typical warning signs of an eating disorder. Noticeable changes in weight can occur within a short period of time. Frequent talk about calories, diets or "slimming goals" is another such signal. Meals together as a family are avoided or food is eaten in secret.

Different types of eating disorders

Experts distinguish between three main types of eating disorders. Anorexia nervosa usually involves underweight patients, whereby weight loss is intentionally induced or maintained. "Those affected usually spend a lot of time thinking about food and healthy eating. The disorder is often accompanied by an increased level of activity, including a compulsion to exercise," said Barmer.

In bulimia nervosa, those affected suffer from binge eating of varying degrees. This is then compensated for with vomiting, purging or intensive exercise in order to get rid of the calories consumed. Bulimia is often preceded by anorexia. Another form is binge eating disorder. In this case, binge eating is not compensated for, which usually leads to obesity during the course of the illness.