Over 200,000 in Sweden Struggle with Eating Disorders: Expert Advice on Avoiding Mealtime Conflicts

In Sweden, more than 200,000 individuals suffer from various eating disorders, according to recent expert insights. Anorexia nervosa, characterized by self-starvation and an intense fear of weight gain, represents only 10-15% of these cases. Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like vomiting or excessive exercise and often affects people of normal weight. The most common disorder is likely Binge Eating Disorder (BED), marked by binge eating without compensatory actions and often linked to overweight individuals, though not exclusively so.

Other notable disorders include Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), which leads to long-term limited eating and potential nutritional deficiencies or stunted growth in children. Unspecified Eating Disorder (UNS) is used for cases with severe symptoms that do not fit a specific diagnosis but constitute a significant patient group.

Experts emphasize the importance of avoiding food conflicts during mealtimes to better support those affected. Help and support are available through organizations such as Frisk & Fri, offering chat, phone, and email consultations, plus support groups nationwide. This awareness effort forms part of broader mental health initiatives focusing on understanding and managing eating disorders more compassionately and effectively in families and communities.