Vzw Eetexpert handles questions about eating or weight problems, a team of experts provides advice and, if necessary, provides referral to healthcare professionals or facilities in the area. In the early days of the corona crisis, Eetexpert received many more questions and the opening hours were extended. In 2021 and 2022, the helpdesk switched back to normal opening hours.
In 2022, the number of calls generally remained well above 100 per month, with peaks in June (171) and October (186), according to the figures requested by Flemish representative Katrien Schryvers.
In total, the Eetexpert helpdesk received 1,726 questions last year. That is an increase of 18.4 percent compared to 2021 and no less than 277.7 percent more than in pre-corona time.
According to Schryvers, there could be several reasons for the increased number of calls. “For example, patients and their loved ones may find their way to the helpdesk more easily, but the figures also indicate the number of people who suffer from an eating disorder. It is important to gain insight into this,” says the CD&V politician.
Finally, the figures show that waiting lists for specialized departments have decreased in the past year. There was a decrease of approximately 33 percent in 2022 compared to 2021. The waiting time for admission also decreased sharply and at the end of 2022 was between 3 and 6 months after registration, while in 2021 patients were still between 6 and 10 months had to wait.