Navigating Holiday Food Anxiety: Vercelli’s Dedicated Clinic for Eating Disorders
The holiday season, with its decadent feasts and lavish meals, can be a delight for many. However, it can also trigger or exacerbate anxiety and stress in individuals struggling with certain food-related disorders. To support these individuals, the Vercelli Local Health Authority (Asl) has been running a specialist clinic for Eating Disorders and Nutrition (Dna) for several years.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Eating Disorders
The clinic is part of the Department of Dietology and Clinical Nutrition, directed by Marianna Guarcello, and caters to individuals who are overweight, obese, or dealing with other health issues or eating disorders. Launched in 2021, the clinic has already provided over 150 initial consultations and more than 400 follow-ups. Since May 2023, around 20 patients have been taken into full multidisciplinary care.
The initial consultation serves as a screening to assess the severity of each case and determine the appropriate level of care. This process begins with a referral from the patient’s primary care physician or pediatrician. From there, the patient is welcomed at the Sant’Andrea Hospital’s Piastra in Largo Giusti, where they meet with a team of specialists, including dietitians, nutritionists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and sometimes child neurologists, to discuss their care plan.
The Reality of Food-Related Health Issues in Piemonte
Vercelli Asl’s commitment to managing these conditions is part of a broader regional and national effort. For instance, the Asl participates in the "Passi" national surveillance program, aiming to monitor lifestyle factors contributing to health risks, such as sedentary behavior, smoking, and poor diet. According to Passi, 28.2% of adults aged 18-69 in Piemonte are overweight, and 9.7% are obese. Factors contributing to these statistics include physical inactivity, excessive snacking, inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables, and excessive alcohol intake.
Moreover, the Asl also promotes "Okkio alla salute," a national prevention program. The 2023 data shows that 16.9% of children in Piemonte are overweight, and 7.8% are obese. Common issues include skipping breakfast, imbalanced breakfasts high in carbohydrates, and excessive consumption of sugary and carbonated beverages.
Holiday Food Safety Awareness
As the holiday season approaches, Vercelli Asl is launching a public awareness campaign, providing materials from the Sian, the Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service. The campaign aims to educate about proper food handling and storage to prevent foodborne illnesses, such as keeping cooked perishable foods below 40°C (104°F) for no more than two hours and separating raw and cooked foods.
The holiday season can be challenging for individuals with food-related disorders, but Vercelli Asl’s dedicated clinic and broader public health efforts offer critical support and resources. By raising awareness and providing specialized care, the Asl is helping to promote better health and wellbeing across the region.
