Parents asked to look out for signs of eating disorders in Norfolk and Suffolk
240 under 19s started treatment for eating disorders with the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Trust last year
Last updated 5th Mar 2021
To mark Eating Disorders Awareness Week, parents in Norfolk and Suffolk are being asked to look out for signs in their children.
According to data from the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), 240 people aged under 19 began treatment for one last year.
That's an increase from 152 in 2019 and is the highest since comparable records began in 2017, where 163 was recorded.
While we spend more time at home as a result of the pandemic, parents are being asked to observe any changes in behaviour that could be associated with an eating disorder.
Dr Beth Mosley, NSFT Clinical Psychologist, explained the signs are not one-size-fits-all, though.
She said: "Eating disorders encourage secretiveness, so it might be something that you struggle as a parent to notice. Signs to look out for can be different for all young people.
"Some of them might be becoming quite distressed around meal times, trying to be quite controlling about the food and the time meals happen. Thinking about the way your child might always need to go to the toilet straight after a meal.
"Lots of young people I've met have found themselves doing lots of exercising in their bedrooms without their families being aware."
Other signs to look out for include wanting to eat alone, eating a lot but not gaining weight, losing weight, excessive tiredness, feeling cold, signs of guilt after eating and obsessing over body image.
Parents who are concerned about their children's behaviour are advised to maintain good communication with them.
Dr Mosley added: "Be curious, not critical. Criticism is something to be so wary of because there's a lot of shame associated with these changes in eating. If you think you're not the best person to talk, think about another trusted adult in that young person's life who they might be able to reach out to.
"Take it really seriously, come alongside that young person and give them respect and be as kind as possible. The shame and secrecy around it makes it incredibly difficult for young people to be honest about what might be going on."
Dr Mosley is working with Wednesday's Child to deliver a virtual workshop for parents to identify the signs of an eating disorder on 25 March.
You can get help with eating disorders via Wednesday's Child or Beat.