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24-year-old Fanny has battled hunger, bingeing, and cravings for food and her body for several years.
When she finally sought help for her eating disorder, she was denied treatment, because she was vegan.
– They said that many go vegan to lose weight, says Fanny.
Fanny, 24, has had a complicated relationship with her body since she went to elementary school.
– I’ve had it since I realized my body. Some at school called a fat one, maybe in jest, but he calmed down. I wasn’t in school for a while because I thought I was fat and ugly and I didn’t think people would need to see me, says Fanny.
But two years ago, the problems and food cravings got worse, as she finished a diet program and began to gain weight.
– It cost me a lot. I started overeating, vomiting and starving, says Fanny.
Photo: PRIVATE
Fanny, 24, has had eating disorder problems for a long time.
Veganism can be an eating disorder
A year ago he decided to seek help. After a year of waiting, she was first denied care at a clinic because she was not considered sick enough. She found Mandokliniken in Alingsås and had to attend a meeting.
The treatment: creating a routine for your meals, learning your hunger cues, and understanding when you’re full, would suit the clinic perfectly.
Until it was revealed that she is vegan.
– Said they absolutely cannot serve vegan food because it is common for people with eating disorders to go vegan to lose weight.
Fanny, who at first thought it was a joke, stated that she is vegan for environmental and animal rights reasons, but received the answer that she could not receive the treatment.
– I went home and cried and thought I wouldn’t get any help and should try to handle it myself, says Fanny.
The clinic: incorrect information
Katarina Nygårds is Operations Manager at Mondokliniken. When Aftonbladet catches up with her, she says that Fanny received the wrong information at their meeting. Since last year, they also help vegans.
That previously they did not receive help is because the clinic’s method is developed on a diet that includes meat.
– Our treatment is developed for a diet that also includes animals and the nutritional content and portion sizes are based on it. On a vegan diet, there are no such clear studies on how the method works, you need a follow-up.
– But it is better that they receive attention than anyone.
Has hope back
She says the clinic has seen that vegan diets are sometimes part of an eating disorder.
– We know that there are cases in which the disease itself can be the reason for having special eating habits. But then there are other reasons why you choose that diet. For ethical reasons, you shouldn’t be denied care, he says.
Now Fanny has regained the hope of recovering and befriending her body.
– I feel so happy for my own good and that of all other vegans. Now I am waiting for a message about starting treatment and I am sure I can recover after all.
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