The specialist outpatient clinic for addiction prevention and rehabilitation offers the first counseling center in Bremen specifically focused on eating disorders. The service is funded by the German Television Lottery for three years – with a total of more than €255,000.
Counseling for problematic eating behavior
“We are pleased to be able to close this gap in services in Bremen. The number of girls aged 10 to 17 who received inpatient treatment for eating disorders doubled between 2003 and 2023, reaching 6,000,” says Eileen Teuber, head of the specialist outpatient clinic. “According to the Federal Statistical Office, this age group now accounts for almost half of all those affected (93 percent of whom are women). Up to 18 percent of these young women are affected by eating disorders well into early adulthood.”
The consequences are alarming. According to Destatis, in 2023, eating disorders were the direct cause of death in 78 cases. They often result in circulatory problems, hormonal dysregulation, osteoporosis, hair loss, and organ damage. Mental health conditions such as depression are also common.
“Our approach is intentionally low-threshold, because not every problematic eating behavior is pathological. Our goals are education, counseling, and, if necessary, referral to further services,” says addiction counselor Maartje Pollemans. “We advise young people and adults, as well as their families – in person or online. And we are networked with specialist agencies and therapy facilities to find the right path for each individual. We also have events planned – including for schools and other multipliers. This is important to us.”
The service is free and confidential. More information at www.caritas-bremen.de/suchtberatung.
Key disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.