NHS treating record number of young people for eating disorders

More young people than ever before are receiving treatment for eating disorders according to the latest figures, the NHS said today.

Almost 10,000 children and young people started treatment between April and December with record demand for services – an increase of a quarter compared to the same period last year and up by almost two thirds since before the pandemic.

NHS chiefs today said that young people and their families should seek help without delay if they were concerned, with community services now available in every part of the country.

Parents can find information on potential symptoms, such as binge eating, feeling guilty after eating, and negative self-image, and other signs of a potential eating disorder are available on the NHS website and they should not hesitate to contact the NHS if they think their child might need some support

You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from eating disorders charity Beat by calling their adult helpline on 0808 801 0677 or youth helpline on 0808 801 0711.

The UK’s Eating Disorder Charity – Beat (beateatingdisorders.org.uk)