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Hospital admissions for children with eating disorders have risen by nearly a fifth in two years, according to new figures.
NHS Digital data for England shows that there were 21,794 admissions for eating disorders across all age groups in 2019-20, 13% more than in 2018-19 and 32% in 2017-18.
For children under 18, there were 4,962 admissions, up 9% from 2018-19 and 19% from 2017-18.
The vast majority of them were teenagers, but some 418 admissions in 2019-20 were for children ages 10-12.
Almost half of the 418 admissions among boys ages 10 to 12 were from girls with anorexia, while there were also admissions for a variety of eating disorders among boys under the age of 10.
The data was obtained by the PA news agency.
Tom Madders, campaign manager for the charity Young Minds, said: “While there have been improvements in wait times for eating disorder services for children in recent years, it can still be difficult for them to get the help they need before reaching the crisis point. “
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Hospital admissions for anorexia increased 9%, from 8,090 in 2018-19 to 8,796 in 2019-20, while admissions for bulimia increased 15% from 4,253 to 4,904.
Interim data for the first three months of the pandemic closure show a drop in admissions for anorexia but an increase in bulimia.
Dr. Karen Street, child mental health officer at RCPCH, said eating disorders are often accompanied by “fairly small changes,” such as refusing to eat foods you previously enjoyed.
“If you have noticed a difference in the way your child or adolescent approaches food and exercise and you are concerned, talk with them about what is normal and what is not. Often times, people with eating disorders will try to convince you that everything is fine, but trust your instincts. “
Claire Murdoch, Director of Mental Health at NHS England, said: “The pandemic has changed lives and hit young people especially hard, so while a record number of young people are receiving care for eating disorders, it is sadly a likely fact of the impact of the pandemic that more young people will need to seek support for mental illness, which is why the NHS is expanding care every year and continues to offer face-to-face appointments and hospital care when needed while providing the option of phone and video consultations and online support where applicable. “
