Abofour Health Center Sensitizes Public on Anorexia Nervosa; Says It Is a Mental Health Condition, Not a Lifestyle Choice
By Noble News | Abofour, Offinso South
The Michael Kyei Baffour Psychiatric and Mental Health Unit of the Abofour Health Center has expressed concern over low public awareness of Anorexia Nervosa, stressing that the condition is a serious mental health disorder and not merely a desire to lose weight.
The sensitization, undertaken under the Offinso South Municipal Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service, forms part of efforts to improve mental health literacy in the municipality.
In an educational statement, the Unit explained that Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by severe restriction of food intake driven by an intense fear of weight gain and a distorted perception of body size or shape.
The facility noted that persons living with the condition may show signs such as significant weight loss, avoiding meals, eating very small portions, excessive exercise, frequent weighing, weakness, dizziness, fatigue, menstrual disturbances in women, as well as social withdrawal and irritability.
According to health officials, the disorder can have life-threatening complications if not detected and treated early.
These include severe malnutrition, anaemia, weak bones, cardiac problems, infertility, electrolyte imbalance, organ damage and in extreme cases, death.
The Unit emphasized that Anorexia Nervosa requires professional care and that recovery is possible with early intervention, appropriate treatment and support from family and health professionals.
The Directorate is therefore encouraging individuals, families and schools to seek early help from qualified healthcare providers when warning signs are noticed, and to desist from stigmatizing persons with eating disorders.
Members of the public within Offinso South and beyond who need support are advised to visit the Michael Kyei Baffour Psychiatric & Mental Health Unit at the Abofour Health Center for confidential care.
“Your mental health matters. Your life matters. Seek help early.” – The Unit added.
Credit: Ghana Health Service / Offinso South Municipal Health Directorate / Abofour Health Center
