Whilst public knowledge and awareness of eating disorders has increased in recent years, some common misconceptions remain, including the belief that some people simply aren’t affected by them.
The truth is, you probably know someone living with an eating disorder – but you may not realise it.
This year, the aim of Eating Disorders Awareness Week (24 February – 2 March) is to challenge this misconception, highlighting that eating disorders can affect anyone, and that it’s not always who you expect. Re-shaping the narrative on eating disorders and removing stigma can support people in seeking help earlier and increase their changes of a full recovery.
Right now, at least 1.25 million people in the UK are living with an eating disorder. That’s more than 1 in 50 people – but the real number could be even higher. Eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder, are complex mental health conditions which are often misunderstood, mislabelled or undiagnosed.
NHS data shows that, between 2015 and 2021, hospital admissions for eating disorders increased by 84%, with children and young people being the worst affected group[1]. In fact, almost half of all hospital admissions for eating disorders during the period 2020/21 alone being people 25 years of age or younger[2].
If you’re a parent or carer concerned that a young person may have an eating disorder, or if you’re worried they might have an unhealthy relationship with food, Good Thinking has developed some advice and guidance to help you spot the early signs and know how to offer the right support.
[1] https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/news-and-features/latest-news/detail/2022/05/18/hospital-admissions-for-eating-disorders-increased-by-84-in-the-last-five-years
[2] https://digital.nhs.uk/supplementary-information/2021/hospital-admissions-for-eating-disorders-2015-2021
