Kenn Għall-Saħħtek, the centre for people with eating disorders, is celebrating the first year since it opened its doors.

334 patients have so far been referred to it, of whom 37% were suffering Bulimia and 63% Anorexia

Darleen Zerafa, director of the home, explained that people who suffer eating disorders often suffer in silence, but the setting up of the centre had helped raise awareness about their problems. 

She said the youngest patient referred to the centre was just 11 years old, the oldest was 65. Among the patients were five men. 

She said the centre was very involved in programmes to tackle and prevent obesity.

Its programmes, is said, gave a lot of importance to motivation, self-esteem and budgeting skills. 

Meetings will be held over the coming months with various associations to further raise awareness about eating disorders and encourage people to seek help. 

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Chris Fearne, were among those who congratulated the centre.