Olympian Lisa Curry pleads for help to find genetic link in deadly disorder that claimed daughter's life
One of the nation's greatest swimmers is appealing to Australians to potentially save lives from a disorder that claimed her own daughter's life.
Triple Olympian Lisa Curry is leading a national appeal for 4000 adults with lived experience of an eating disorder to join the world's largest genetics investigation into the risk factors driving these complex illnesses.
The Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative 2 (EDGI2) aims to pinpoint the hundreds of genes influencing a person's risk of developing anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), to improve treatment, and save lives.
WATCH ABOVE: Lisa Curry pleads for Australians to join research study.
The mother of three is a champion of mental and physical wellness who is supporting EDGI2 due to the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Jaimi, 33, to long-term health challenges, including anorexia nervosa.
'Too little is known about eating disorders, which affect over a million Australians,' Curry said,
'Eating disorders remain among the most stigmatised mental health conditions. This stigma often prevents people from seeking help, making things worse.
'Individuals and families affected by eating disorders deserve answers, earlier intervention, and personalised treatments that work.
Curry's appeal for study volunteers, in partnership with researchers, doctors and patients Australia-wide, coincides with the publication of an article in the Medical Journal of Australia's Insight+, revealing how the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors in eating disorders has hindered effective treatment breakthroughs.
In 2023, 1.1 million Australians were living with an eating disorder, equating to one in 23 people or almost five per cent of the Australian adult population.
The prevalence of eating disorders appears to be on the rise, with a 21 per cent increase observed in Australia over 11 years.
Many factors influence eating disorders, including genetics, developmental transitions (including puberty, childbirth, and menopause), thinking styles (such as perfectionism), body dissatisfaction, and sociocultural pressures to be thin.
Mental health peer support worker and mother-of-three, Lauren, 35, from Adelaide, has battled anorexia nervosa for 14 years. She started feeling insecure about her body at just four years of age, and at 12 was finally diagnosed with the eating disorder.
'I started restricting my food, adopting an obsessive diet that cut out everything except meat. I had no carbs or bread. I found myself stepping on the scales multiple times a day. I was obsessed with my weight,' Lauren said.
'Anorexia nervosa took over every part of my life. It felt like no one truly knew me, or recognised what I was going through.'
Lauren's first pregnancy intensified her struggle with anorexia nervosa. It wasn't until the new mum turned 26 that she sought professional help and commenced her recovery.
Lauren suspects genetics may contribute, as her sister also suffered from an eating disorder.
'My eating disorder was triggered by many factors. That's why it's important we look at what role genetics plays,' she said.
According to lead Australian EDGI2 investigator, Professor Nick Martin, this new study builds on the groundbreaking progress of the original EDGI investigation, and the collaborative Anorexia Nervosa Genetics Initiative (ANGI), which identified the first eight genes linked to anorexia nervosa, highlighting both psychiatric and metabolic causes of the illness.
'This discovery was completely unexpected, and requires urgent replication and further study to fully understand the pathways leading to anorexia nervosa,' Martin said.
'That's why a larger sample size is crucial, which is the aim of EDGI2.
'While rigorous research shows genes account for more than half the risk of eating disorders, we still lack understanding and accurate tools to predict their progression, or response to treatment.
'A larger, more diverse sample will enhance our understanding of genetic risks, vulnerabilities, and protective factors, leading to earlier, more personalised treatments, and better predictions of disease progression and future risk.
Clinical psychologist and EDGI2 Australia chief investigator Professor Sarah Maguire OAM explained eating disorders can affect people of any age, weight, size, shape, cultural background, or identity, and significantly compromise quality of life.
'They impact the individual, and their family in just about every way possible – professionally, personally, emotionally and psychologically,' she said.
'Eating disorders can also have serious medical consequences, they have a strong link to depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, social isolation, and sometimes, suicide.
'Their medical complications may include cognitive impairment, heart issues, growth retardation and osteoporosis.
'The eating disorders mortality rate is significantly higher than other psychiatric conditions, mainly due to medical complications, and the rate of suicide.
'Importantly, eating disorders are treatable. Research advances like EDGI2, which enhance understanding of genetic and environmental factors, along with early detection and personalised treatment, are key to recovery and improved patient management.
Executive Director, Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA), and lived-experience carer Jane Rowan emphasises 'eating disorders are not a choice – they are serious mental illnesses.
'However, with early intervention and a comprehensive approach that addresses the physical, psychological, and social aspects of an eating disorder, recovery is possible for everyone, regardless of severity or stage of illness,' she said.
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The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Cheaper complementary health treatments are on the way
When Peter Hill walked into his first pilates class, he had to warm-up for the warm-up. With a feeble lower back and taut hamstrings, the then 63-year-old was hoping the therapy could aid his pain. Six years later, he can dart and dash with little-to-no trouble. "Occasionally I might have a bit of a twinge but I can get out of bed in the morning and do normal stuff without having to warm up," Mr Hill says. "I jog or run once a week and I never have an issue with my hamstrings, and my back is significantly better." The additional good news is that pilates-goers like Mr Hill can soon expect their classes will be cheaper after federal health minister Mark Butler promised during the election campaign that private insurers would be obliged to cover some complementary treatments. A spokesperson for his office says the scheme's rollout is imminent. Complementary medicines are therapies that accompany pharmaceutical treatments with the aim of promoting holistic health. A study found that of the millions of Australians who use them, more than 50 per cent do so the same day they take their pharmaceutical medicine. The therapies include yoga, pilates, tai chi, shiatsu, naturopathy and the Alexander technique, as well as a range of western herbal medicines, and they will be covered by private insurers. A review recommended government subsidise all seven after finding they were moderately effective and safe. This represents a back-track on the 2019 exclusion of 16 natural therapies, which saw insurers lose rebates. "Coverage of natural therapies remains a decision for insurers," according to Mr Butler's office. "Insurers which choose to cover the therapies will work with the natural therapies sector on coverage and to re-establish provider credentialing. "The government will ensure timely re-inclusion of benefits for natural therapies, so this coverage is available as soon as possible." The opposition matched Labor's promise with spokeswoman Anne Ruston saying the coalition was "strongly committed to strengthening preventative health outcomes ... and these decisions are in line with that focus". Bupa is already on board, telling AAP it will welcome the subsidies. However, Private Healthcare Australia policy director Ben Harris says some firms may only take up the movement-based therapies such as yoga, tai chi and pilates. "The evidence is quite clear that in certain circumstances for certain people, these therapies can make a really big difference and the best thing with healthcare is you need as many options on the table as possible," he says. "It's getting better all the time ... but the broad research is still yet to be done for the community as a whole." Why though are complementary medicines important? Well, chronic disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, killing around 41 million people each year, while researchers say natural therapies alongside traditional medicines can help treat chronic symptoms and restore body function. Insurers in Canada, India and the UK are already rebating complementary medicines, while Australia's decision comes nine months after the National Disability Insurance Scheme removed subsidies for therapies like yoga, cuddle therapy and hypnotherapy. Then NDIS head Bill Shorten said these treatments should have never been on the list. But the federal review released in April, said yoga in particular had "some benefit" for people compared to individuals who don't participate. Still, some doctors are sceptical. The Australian Medical Association says people should remain cautious with some of the movement-based treatments. It also warns paients not to stop taking pharmaceutical medicines. "While evidence-based complementary medicine can play a role in patient care under the guidance of a doctor, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of most complementary medicines," the association says. "People need to be extremely careful if they are sourcing herbal supplements because some are potentially harmful and it's very difficult to be certain about what they contain. "Some have the potential to cause adverse reactions or interact with conventional medicines." Joanna Harnett, an Associate Professor specialising in complementary healthcare, says any medicine people have can cause a reaction but complementary medicines taken orally in conjunction with traditional treatments pose the biggest risk. Natural therapies like shiatsu and western herbal medicines are derived from tradition compared to more research-based pharmaceuticals. But National Integrative Medicine Institute director Dennis Chang says the seven subsidised therapies are scientifically safe. "It's not an umbrella claim but certainly there is some moderate level of evidence to support effectiveness and ... this can be potentially beneficial to patients," he tells AAP. "The review is not saying yoga can do everything. So, there is a lot more research needed in order to make that more general claim." Medical economist and academic Yuting Zhang expects insurers to include natural therapies in their premiums because of their low-cost compared to private hospital cover. However due to the rising cost of healthcare, she doubts more people will sign up for premiums. "It would probably be quite smart ... to include those kinds of things," Prof Zhang says. "It would improve the value for private health insurance but in the big scheme of things, I don't think it would have a huge impact." But 83-year-old Colin who attends pilates every week sees the positives of a few more dollars in his pocket. "I might actually go to two classes rather than one," he says. "I really enjoy doing that sort of stretching, that sort of exercise." Prof Harnett says Victoria's Better Health Channel and the US government's National Complementary and Integrative Health website are resources people can look to if they are unsure of using a complementary medicine. When Peter Hill walked into his first pilates class, he had to warm-up for the warm-up. With a feeble lower back and taut hamstrings, the then 63-year-old was hoping the therapy could aid his pain. Six years later, he can dart and dash with little-to-no trouble. "Occasionally I might have a bit of a twinge but I can get out of bed in the morning and do normal stuff without having to warm up," Mr Hill says. "I jog or run once a week and I never have an issue with my hamstrings, and my back is significantly better." The additional good news is that pilates-goers like Mr Hill can soon expect their classes will be cheaper after federal health minister Mark Butler promised during the election campaign that private insurers would be obliged to cover some complementary treatments. A spokesperson for his office says the scheme's rollout is imminent. Complementary medicines are therapies that accompany pharmaceutical treatments with the aim of promoting holistic health. A study found that of the millions of Australians who use them, more than 50 per cent do so the same day they take their pharmaceutical medicine. The therapies include yoga, pilates, tai chi, shiatsu, naturopathy and the Alexander technique, as well as a range of western herbal medicines, and they will be covered by private insurers. A review recommended government subsidise all seven after finding they were moderately effective and safe. This represents a back-track on the 2019 exclusion of 16 natural therapies, which saw insurers lose rebates. "Coverage of natural therapies remains a decision for insurers," according to Mr Butler's office. "Insurers which choose to cover the therapies will work with the natural therapies sector on coverage and to re-establish provider credentialing. "The government will ensure timely re-inclusion of benefits for natural therapies, so this coverage is available as soon as possible." The opposition matched Labor's promise with spokeswoman Anne Ruston saying the coalition was "strongly committed to strengthening preventative health outcomes ... and these decisions are in line with that focus". Bupa is already on board, telling AAP it will welcome the subsidies. However, Private Healthcare Australia policy director Ben Harris says some firms may only take up the movement-based therapies such as yoga, tai chi and pilates. "The evidence is quite clear that in certain circumstances for certain people, these therapies can make a really big difference and the best thing with healthcare is you need as many options on the table as possible," he says. "It's getting better all the time ... but the broad research is still yet to be done for the community as a whole." Why though are complementary medicines important? Well, chronic disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, killing around 41 million people each year, while researchers say natural therapies alongside traditional medicines can help treat chronic symptoms and restore body function. Insurers in Canada, India and the UK are already rebating complementary medicines, while Australia's decision comes nine months after the National Disability Insurance Scheme removed subsidies for therapies like yoga, cuddle therapy and hypnotherapy. Then NDIS head Bill Shorten said these treatments should have never been on the list. But the federal review released in April, said yoga in particular had "some benefit" for people compared to individuals who don't participate. Still, some doctors are sceptical. The Australian Medical Association says people should remain cautious with some of the movement-based treatments. It also warns paients not to stop taking pharmaceutical medicines. "While evidence-based complementary medicine can play a role in patient care under the guidance of a doctor, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of most complementary medicines," the association says. "People need to be extremely careful if they are sourcing herbal supplements because some are potentially harmful and it's very difficult to be certain about what they contain. "Some have the potential to cause adverse reactions or interact with conventional medicines." Joanna Harnett, an Associate Professor specialising in complementary healthcare, says any medicine people have can cause a reaction but complementary medicines taken orally in conjunction with traditional treatments pose the biggest risk. Natural therapies like shiatsu and western herbal medicines are derived from tradition compared to more research-based pharmaceuticals. But National Integrative Medicine Institute director Dennis Chang says the seven subsidised therapies are scientifically safe. "It's not an umbrella claim but certainly there is some moderate level of evidence to support effectiveness and ... this can be potentially beneficial to patients," he tells AAP. "The review is not saying yoga can do everything. So, there is a lot more research needed in order to make that more general claim." Medical economist and academic Yuting Zhang expects insurers to include natural therapies in their premiums because of their low-cost compared to private hospital cover. However due to the rising cost of healthcare, she doubts more people will sign up for premiums. "It would probably be quite smart ... to include those kinds of things," Prof Zhang says. "It would improve the value for private health insurance but in the big scheme of things, I don't think it would have a huge impact." But 83-year-old Colin who attends pilates every week sees the positives of a few more dollars in his pocket. "I might actually go to two classes rather than one," he says. "I really enjoy doing that sort of stretching, that sort of exercise." Prof Harnett says Victoria's Better Health Channel and the US government's National Complementary and Integrative Health website are resources people can look to if they are unsure of using a complementary medicine. When Peter Hill walked into his first pilates class, he had to warm-up for the warm-up. With a feeble lower back and taut hamstrings, the then 63-year-old was hoping the therapy could aid his pain. Six years later, he can dart and dash with little-to-no trouble. "Occasionally I might have a bit of a twinge but I can get out of bed in the morning and do normal stuff without having to warm up," Mr Hill says. "I jog or run once a week and I never have an issue with my hamstrings, and my back is significantly better." The additional good news is that pilates-goers like Mr Hill can soon expect their classes will be cheaper after federal health minister Mark Butler promised during the election campaign that private insurers would be obliged to cover some complementary treatments. A spokesperson for his office says the scheme's rollout is imminent. Complementary medicines are therapies that accompany pharmaceutical treatments with the aim of promoting holistic health. A study found that of the millions of Australians who use them, more than 50 per cent do so the same day they take their pharmaceutical medicine. The therapies include yoga, pilates, tai chi, shiatsu, naturopathy and the Alexander technique, as well as a range of western herbal medicines, and they will be covered by private insurers. A review recommended government subsidise all seven after finding they were moderately effective and safe. This represents a back-track on the 2019 exclusion of 16 natural therapies, which saw insurers lose rebates. "Coverage of natural therapies remains a decision for insurers," according to Mr Butler's office. "Insurers which choose to cover the therapies will work with the natural therapies sector on coverage and to re-establish provider credentialing. "The government will ensure timely re-inclusion of benefits for natural therapies, so this coverage is available as soon as possible." The opposition matched Labor's promise with spokeswoman Anne Ruston saying the coalition was "strongly committed to strengthening preventative health outcomes ... and these decisions are in line with that focus". Bupa is already on board, telling AAP it will welcome the subsidies. However, Private Healthcare Australia policy director Ben Harris says some firms may only take up the movement-based therapies such as yoga, tai chi and pilates. "The evidence is quite clear that in certain circumstances for certain people, these therapies can make a really big difference and the best thing with healthcare is you need as many options on the table as possible," he says. "It's getting better all the time ... but the broad research is still yet to be done for the community as a whole." Why though are complementary medicines important? Well, chronic disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, killing around 41 million people each year, while researchers say natural therapies alongside traditional medicines can help treat chronic symptoms and restore body function. Insurers in Canada, India and the UK are already rebating complementary medicines, while Australia's decision comes nine months after the National Disability Insurance Scheme removed subsidies for therapies like yoga, cuddle therapy and hypnotherapy. Then NDIS head Bill Shorten said these treatments should have never been on the list. But the federal review released in April, said yoga in particular had "some benefit" for people compared to individuals who don't participate. Still, some doctors are sceptical. The Australian Medical Association says people should remain cautious with some of the movement-based treatments. It also warns paients not to stop taking pharmaceutical medicines. "While evidence-based complementary medicine can play a role in patient care under the guidance of a doctor, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of most complementary medicines," the association says. "People need to be extremely careful if they are sourcing herbal supplements because some are potentially harmful and it's very difficult to be certain about what they contain. "Some have the potential to cause adverse reactions or interact with conventional medicines." Joanna Harnett, an Associate Professor specialising in complementary healthcare, says any medicine people have can cause a reaction but complementary medicines taken orally in conjunction with traditional treatments pose the biggest risk. Natural therapies like shiatsu and western herbal medicines are derived from tradition compared to more research-based pharmaceuticals. But National Integrative Medicine Institute director Dennis Chang says the seven subsidised therapies are scientifically safe. "It's not an umbrella claim but certainly there is some moderate level of evidence to support effectiveness and ... this can be potentially beneficial to patients," he tells AAP. "The review is not saying yoga can do everything. So, there is a lot more research needed in order to make that more general claim." Medical economist and academic Yuting Zhang expects insurers to include natural therapies in their premiums because of their low-cost compared to private hospital cover. However due to the rising cost of healthcare, she doubts more people will sign up for premiums. "It would probably be quite smart ... to include those kinds of things," Prof Zhang says. "It would improve the value for private health insurance but in the big scheme of things, I don't think it would have a huge impact." But 83-year-old Colin who attends pilates every week sees the positives of a few more dollars in his pocket. "I might actually go to two classes rather than one," he says. "I really enjoy doing that sort of stretching, that sort of exercise." Prof Harnett says Victoria's Better Health Channel and the US government's National Complementary and Integrative Health website are resources people can look to if they are unsure of using a complementary medicine. When Peter Hill walked into his first pilates class, he had to warm-up for the warm-up. With a feeble lower back and taut hamstrings, the then 63-year-old was hoping the therapy could aid his pain. Six years later, he can dart and dash with little-to-no trouble. "Occasionally I might have a bit of a twinge but I can get out of bed in the morning and do normal stuff without having to warm up," Mr Hill says. "I jog or run once a week and I never have an issue with my hamstrings, and my back is significantly better." The additional good news is that pilates-goers like Mr Hill can soon expect their classes will be cheaper after federal health minister Mark Butler promised during the election campaign that private insurers would be obliged to cover some complementary treatments. A spokesperson for his office says the scheme's rollout is imminent. Complementary medicines are therapies that accompany pharmaceutical treatments with the aim of promoting holistic health. A study found that of the millions of Australians who use them, more than 50 per cent do so the same day they take their pharmaceutical medicine. The therapies include yoga, pilates, tai chi, shiatsu, naturopathy and the Alexander technique, as well as a range of western herbal medicines, and they will be covered by private insurers. A review recommended government subsidise all seven after finding they were moderately effective and safe. This represents a back-track on the 2019 exclusion of 16 natural therapies, which saw insurers lose rebates. "Coverage of natural therapies remains a decision for insurers," according to Mr Butler's office. "Insurers which choose to cover the therapies will work with the natural therapies sector on coverage and to re-establish provider credentialing. "The government will ensure timely re-inclusion of benefits for natural therapies, so this coverage is available as soon as possible." The opposition matched Labor's promise with spokeswoman Anne Ruston saying the coalition was "strongly committed to strengthening preventative health outcomes ... and these decisions are in line with that focus". Bupa is already on board, telling AAP it will welcome the subsidies. However, Private Healthcare Australia policy director Ben Harris says some firms may only take up the movement-based therapies such as yoga, tai chi and pilates. "The evidence is quite clear that in certain circumstances for certain people, these therapies can make a really big difference and the best thing with healthcare is you need as many options on the table as possible," he says. "It's getting better all the time ... but the broad research is still yet to be done for the community as a whole." Why though are complementary medicines important? Well, chronic disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, killing around 41 million people each year, while researchers say natural therapies alongside traditional medicines can help treat chronic symptoms and restore body function. Insurers in Canada, India and the UK are already rebating complementary medicines, while Australia's decision comes nine months after the National Disability Insurance Scheme removed subsidies for therapies like yoga, cuddle therapy and hypnotherapy. Then NDIS head Bill Shorten said these treatments should have never been on the list. But the federal review released in April, said yoga in particular had "some benefit" for people compared to individuals who don't participate. Still, some doctors are sceptical. The Australian Medical Association says people should remain cautious with some of the movement-based treatments. It also warns paients not to stop taking pharmaceutical medicines. "While evidence-based complementary medicine can play a role in patient care under the guidance of a doctor, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of most complementary medicines," the association says. "People need to be extremely careful if they are sourcing herbal supplements because some are potentially harmful and it's very difficult to be certain about what they contain. "Some have the potential to cause adverse reactions or interact with conventional medicines." Joanna Harnett, an Associate Professor specialising in complementary healthcare, says any medicine people have can cause a reaction but complementary medicines taken orally in conjunction with traditional treatments pose the biggest risk. Natural therapies like shiatsu and western herbal medicines are derived from tradition compared to more research-based pharmaceuticals. But National Integrative Medicine Institute director Dennis Chang says the seven subsidised therapies are scientifically safe. "It's not an umbrella claim but certainly there is some moderate level of evidence to support effectiveness and ... this can be potentially beneficial to patients," he tells AAP. "The review is not saying yoga can do everything. So, there is a lot more research needed in order to make that more general claim." Medical economist and academic Yuting Zhang expects insurers to include natural therapies in their premiums because of their low-cost compared to private hospital cover. However due to the rising cost of healthcare, she doubts more people will sign up for premiums. "It would probably be quite smart ... to include those kinds of things," Prof Zhang says. "It would improve the value for private health insurance but in the big scheme of things, I don't think it would have a huge impact." But 83-year-old Colin who attends pilates every week sees the positives of a few more dollars in his pocket. "I might actually go to two classes rather than one," he says. "I really enjoy doing that sort of stretching, that sort of exercise." Prof Harnett says Victoria's Better Health Channel and the US government's National Complementary and Integrative Health website are resources people can look to if they are unsure of using a complementary medicine.
West Australian
11 hours ago
- West Australian
Cheaper complementary health treatments are on the way
When Peter Hill walked into his first pilates class, he had to warm-up for the warm-up. With a feeble lower back and taut hamstrings, the then 63-year-old was hoping the therapy could aid his pain. Six years later, he can dart and dash with little-to-no trouble. "Occasionally I might have a bit of a twinge but I can get out of bed in the morning and do normal stuff without having to warm up," Mr Hill says. "I jog or run once a week and I never have an issue with my hamstrings, and my back is significantly better." The additional good news is that pilates-goers like Mr Hill can soon expect their classes will be cheaper after federal health minister Mark Butler promised during the election campaign that private insurers would be obliged to cover some complementary treatments. A spokesperson for his office says the scheme's rollout is imminent. Complementary medicines are therapies that accompany pharmaceutical treatments with the aim of promoting holistic health. A study found that of the millions of Australians who use them, more than 50 per cent do so the same day they take their pharmaceutical medicine. The therapies include yoga, pilates, tai chi, shiatsu, naturopathy and the Alexander technique, as well as a range of western herbal medicines, and they will be covered by private insurers. A review recommended government subsidise all seven after finding they were moderately effective and safe. This represents a back-track on the 2019 exclusion of 16 natural therapies, which saw insurers lose rebates. "Coverage of natural therapies remains a decision for insurers," according to Mr Butler's office. "Insurers which choose to cover the therapies will work with the natural therapies sector on coverage and to re-establish provider credentialing. "The government will ensure timely re-inclusion of benefits for natural therapies, so this coverage is available as soon as possible." The opposition matched Labor's promise with spokeswoman Anne Ruston saying the coalition was "strongly committed to strengthening preventative health outcomes ... and these decisions are in line with that focus". Bupa is already on board, telling AAP it will welcome the subsidies. However, Private Healthcare Australia policy director Ben Harris says some firms may only take up the movement-based therapies such as yoga, tai chi and pilates. "The evidence is quite clear that in certain circumstances for certain people, these therapies can make a really big difference and the best thing with healthcare is you need as many options on the table as possible," he says. "It's getting better all the time ... but the broad research is still yet to be done for the community as a whole." Why though are complementary medicines important? Well, chronic disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, killing around 41 million people each year, while researchers say natural therapies alongside traditional medicines can help treat chronic symptoms and restore body function. Insurers in Canada, India and the UK are already rebating complementary medicines, while Australia's decision comes nine months after the National Disability Insurance Scheme removed subsidies for therapies like yoga, cuddle therapy and hypnotherapy. Then NDIS head Bill Shorten said these treatments should have never been on the list. But the federal review released in April, said yoga in particular had "some benefit" for people compared to individuals who don't participate. Still, some doctors are sceptical. The Australian Medical Association says people should remain cautious with some of the movement-based treatments. It also warns paients not to stop taking pharmaceutical medicines. "While evidence-based complementary medicine can play a role in patient care under the guidance of a doctor, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of most complementary medicines," the association says. "People need to be extremely careful if they are sourcing herbal supplements because some are potentially harmful and it's very difficult to be certain about what they contain. "Some have the potential to cause adverse reactions or interact with conventional medicines." Joanna Harnett, an Associate Professor specialising in complementary healthcare, says any medicine people have can cause a reaction but complementary medicines taken orally in conjunction with traditional treatments pose the biggest risk. Natural therapies like shiatsu and western herbal medicines are derived from tradition compared to more research-based pharmaceuticals. But National Integrative Medicine Institute director Dennis Chang says the seven subsidised therapies are scientifically safe. "It's not an umbrella claim but certainly there is some moderate level of evidence to support effectiveness and ... this can be potentially beneficial to patients," he tells AAP. "The review is not saying yoga can do everything. So, there is a lot more research needed in order to make that more general claim." Medical economist and academic Yuting Zhang expects insurers to include natural therapies in their premiums because of their low-cost compared to private hospital cover. However due to the rising cost of healthcare, she doubts more people will sign up for premiums. "It would probably be quite smart ... to include those kinds of things," Prof Zhang says. "It would improve the value for private health insurance but in the big scheme of things, I don't think it would have a huge impact." But 83-year-old Colin who attends pilates every week sees the positives of a few more dollars in his pocket. "I might actually go to two classes rather than one," he says. "I really enjoy doing that sort of stretching, that sort of exercise." Prof Harnett says Victoria's Better Health Channel and the US government's National Complementary and Integrative Health website are resources people can look to if they are unsure of using a complementary medicine.
Perth Now
11 hours ago
- Perth Now
Cheaper complementary health treatments are on the way
When Peter Hill walked into his first pilates class, he had to warm-up for the warm-up. With a feeble lower back and taut hamstrings, the then 63-year-old was hoping the therapy could aid his pain. Six years later, he can dart and dash with little-to-no trouble. "Occasionally I might have a bit of a twinge but I can get out of bed in the morning and do normal stuff without having to warm up," Mr Hill says. "I jog or run once a week and I never have an issue with my hamstrings, and my back is significantly better." The additional good news is that pilates-goers like Mr Hill can soon expect their classes will be cheaper after federal health minister Mark Butler promised during the election campaign that private insurers would be obliged to cover some complementary treatments. A spokesperson for his office says the scheme's rollout is imminent. Complementary medicines are therapies that accompany pharmaceutical treatments with the aim of promoting holistic health. A study found that of the millions of Australians who use them, more than 50 per cent do so the same day they take their pharmaceutical medicine. The therapies include yoga, pilates, tai chi, shiatsu, naturopathy and the Alexander technique, as well as a range of western herbal medicines, and they will be covered by private insurers. A review recommended government subsidise all seven after finding they were moderately effective and safe. This represents a back-track on the 2019 exclusion of 16 natural therapies, which saw insurers lose rebates. "Coverage of natural therapies remains a decision for insurers," according to Mr Butler's office. "Insurers which choose to cover the therapies will work with the natural therapies sector on coverage and to re-establish provider credentialing. "The government will ensure timely re-inclusion of benefits for natural therapies, so this coverage is available as soon as possible." The opposition matched Labor's promise with spokeswoman Anne Ruston saying the coalition was "strongly committed to strengthening preventative health outcomes ... and these decisions are in line with that focus". Bupa is already on board, telling AAP it will welcome the subsidies. However, Private Healthcare Australia policy director Ben Harris says some firms may only take up the movement-based therapies such as yoga, tai chi and pilates. "The evidence is quite clear that in certain circumstances for certain people, these therapies can make a really big difference and the best thing with healthcare is you need as many options on the table as possible," he says. "It's getting better all the time ... but the broad research is still yet to be done for the community as a whole." Why though are complementary medicines important? Well, chronic disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, killing around 41 million people each year, while researchers say natural therapies alongside traditional medicines can help treat chronic symptoms and restore body function. Insurers in Canada, India and the UK are already rebating complementary medicines, while Australia's decision comes nine months after the National Disability Insurance Scheme removed subsidies for therapies like yoga, cuddle therapy and hypnotherapy. Then NDIS head Bill Shorten said these treatments should have never been on the list. But the federal review released in April, said yoga in particular had "some benefit" for people compared to individuals who don't participate. Still, some doctors are sceptical. The Australian Medical Association says people should remain cautious with some of the movement-based treatments. It also warns paients not to stop taking pharmaceutical medicines. "While evidence-based complementary medicine can play a role in patient care under the guidance of a doctor, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of most complementary medicines," the association says. "People need to be extremely careful if they are sourcing herbal supplements because some are potentially harmful and it's very difficult to be certain about what they contain. "Some have the potential to cause adverse reactions or interact with conventional medicines." Joanna Harnett, an Associate Professor specialising in complementary healthcare, says any medicine people have can cause a reaction but complementary medicines taken orally in conjunction with traditional treatments pose the biggest risk. Natural therapies like shiatsu and western herbal medicines are derived from tradition compared to more research-based pharmaceuticals. But National Integrative Medicine Institute director Dennis Chang says the seven subsidised therapies are scientifically safe. "It's not an umbrella claim but certainly there is some moderate level of evidence to support effectiveness and ... this can be potentially beneficial to patients," he tells AAP. "The review is not saying yoga can do everything. So, there is a lot more research needed in order to make that more general claim." Medical economist and academic Yuting Zhang expects insurers to include natural therapies in their premiums because of their low-cost compared to private hospital cover. However due to the rising cost of healthcare, she doubts more people will sign up for premiums. "It would probably be quite smart ... to include those kinds of things," Prof Zhang says. "It would improve the value for private health insurance but in the big scheme of things, I don't think it would have a huge impact." But 83-year-old Colin who attends pilates every week sees the positives of a few more dollars in his pocket. "I might actually go to two classes rather than one," he says. "I really enjoy doing that sort of stretching, that sort of exercise." Prof Harnett says Victoria's Better Health Channel and the US government's National Complementary and Integrative Health website are resources people can look to if they are unsure of using a complementary medicine.
