05/9/2011

On the 9th of May 2011, a press conference was held on the occasion of the Cyprus Nutrition Day under the auspices of the Ministry of Health, the Cyprus Dietetic Association, the MAZI Foundation for eating disorders and obesity. The theme chosen for the day was "I respect and love my body: a positive body image", the subjective image of a person's physical appearance established by self-observation and the reactions of others. "A negative or distorted body image, results in excessive stress and difficulties in accepting one’s self, regardless of reality," as Mr. Christos Patsalides, Minister of Health, mentioned.

Mr. Patsalides stressed the need for prevention in all areas of eating disorders and obesity. According to the Minister, obesity has become established as a social phenomenon of our time, while eating disorders are spreading in the Cypriot society. According to World Health Organization, approximately 60% of deaths are due to diseases of the modern civilization, such as heart disease, cancer, hypertension, diabetes and obesity. The studies relating to obesity and the Cypriot population indicate that 36.1% of Cypriots are overweight while 27.8% are obese. Moreover, childhood obesity is alarming as "nearly 50% of children are obese and these children are the future adults."

Mr. Patsalides continued his speech, presenting the problem of eating disorders (anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa), and the alarming survey data of the Child Health Program (2002). The survey shows that 26% of girls and 13% of boys are of high risk to develop symptoms of anorexia and bulimia. "Also, the figures showed that the potential rates of developing anorexia nervosa are 0.78% in females and 0.15% in males, numbers reaching the disorders’ levels of neighbor countries such as Greece, Israel and other Western countries." The above numbers, as well as the increasing rate, should worry our society. The Minister of Health also referred to the healthy nutrition programs that have been established and implemented in all schools.

According to Ms. Eleni Andreou, President of the Cyprus Dietetic Association and Vice president of the MAZI Foundation, eating disorders are directly related to body image. The dissatisfaction of body image has increased over the last 10 years, globally, affecting the mental health of individuals. This dissatisfaction is increased in women compared to men. She also reported that "according to the epidemiological data of the Institute of Child Health, the frequency of anorexia nervosa is estimated at 0.5% - 1% and for bulimia at 1% - 3%. The percentage for athletes rises to 6% - 8%. Although there are no formally accepted criteria for subclinical forms of eating disorders, various studies raise the percentage of eating disorders at 1.3% to 15% in young women aged between 15 to 24 years old. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa affect between 1% - 10% of women, in their teenage and student years. In boys these disorders are less common as teenagers are usually interested in increasing muscle mass and are less interested in their appearance. Obese boys are an exception as their self-esteem and interest in their appearance is clearly affected". Factors affecting the expansion of the problem are numerous and are connected to various aspects and therefore to properly address the issue a multidisciplinary team of scientists is needed as well as the active participation of society and media, which will promote positive beauty role models.

Ms Andreou referred to the research conducted at the Latsia High School titled "Love your body" with a test sample of 530 children aged between 12 to 16 years old. According to the dietary questionnaire the results were as follows:

• 4,3% an eating disorder is very likely
• 14,9% an eating disorder is possible
• 80,8% an eating disorder unlikely.

The results also showed that 11.6% of the children were overweight and 9.2% obese. This research was initiated by a group of teachers and the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Cyprus Dietetic Association, the University of Nicosia, and the MAZI Foundation.

The conference ended with the salutation of the President of the MAZI Foundation, Mr Michalis Papadopoulos, who referred to the intention of the Foundation to create a specialized recovery center for people suffering from eating disorders and obesity.