According to NHS Digital data for England, hospital admissions for eating disorders have increased sharply by more than 37 percent across all age groups over the last couple of years.
Experts have expressed their concerns and urged the government to take necessary action and promote early intervention.
The report found that there were more than 19,000 eating disorder hospital admissions in 2018-19, up from 16,558 in 2017-18 and 13,885 in 2016-17.
The data, acquired by the PA, a UK-based new agency, also found that the most common age group of patients admitted with anorexia was between 13 and 15. More than 25 percent (4,417 patients) of admissions in 2018-19 were for children aged 18 and below.
Emma Thomas, CEO at YoungMinds, a UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health, expressed her concern, said, “While there have been some improvements in community care for young people with eating disorders in recent years, it can still be difficult for children and young people to get the help they need before they reach crisis point.”
“Getting early support for an eating disorder can prevent problems from escalating, meaning young people are more likely to fully recover,” she added.
Thomas concluded, “The government must make prevention and early intervention a priority for every child struggling with their mental health, to ensure that they get help as soon as they need it.”
Anorexia is a prolonged eating disorder due to loss of appetite.
Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Dr. Agnes Ayton, said, healthcare professionals “need to be better trained at spotting eating disorders, as early diagnosis and treatment can reduce hospital admissions and saves lives.”
Claire Murdoch, NHS England’s National Mental Health Director, said, “Waiting times for NHS eating disorder services are better than ever, with nearly 100 new or improved services in the community set up in recent years backed by millions in extra funding.” “It’s clear that while the NHS is ramping up services through our Long Term Plan, the dangerous drivers of mental ill health need to be cracked down on by the rest of society,” she added.
