84% rise in hospital admissions for eating disorders in last five years
New analysis also shows boys and young men are increasingly affected
New analysis has found that there has been an 84% rise in hospital admissions for people with eating disorders in the last five years with boys and young men increasingly affected.
There were 11,049 more admissions for illnesses such as bulimia and anorexia in 2020/21 than in 2015/16, reaching 24,268 admissions across England.
As well as an overall rise in the number of people admitted to hospital for an eating disorder, there was also a big increase in the number of boys and men who were admitted.
The figures show that in 2015/16, 280 men and boys were admitted but that had more than doubled to 637 by 2020/21.
Admissions in children and young people rose from 3,541 to 6,713, with a 35% increase in the last year alone as the Covid pandemic hit, according to the analysis by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
The College has launched new guidelines to help health professionals identify people whose eating disorders have become life-threatening and get them the right care.
It said the signs that somebody is dangerously ill can be missed at GP surgeries and in A&E due to a lack of guidance and training.
Even when seriously unwell, people with eating disorders can appear to be healthy, with normal blood tests, it said. For example, somebody with anorexia can have dangerously low levels of electrolytes like potassium that are not reflected in blood tests.
Patients with bulimia can also have severe electrolyte disturbances and stomach problems but can be a normal weight or overweight.
'Full recovery is possible if spotted and treated early'
Dr Dasha Nicholls, who chaired the development of the new medical emergencies in eating disorders guidelines, said: "Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating don't discriminate, and can affect people of any age and gender.
"They are mental health disorders, not a 'lifestyle choice', and we shouldn't underestimate how serious they are.
"Even though anorexia nervosa is often referred to as the deadliest mental health condition, most deaths are preventable with early treatment and support. Full recovery is possible if spotted and treated early."
She said there was a need to raise awareness of common eating disorders symptoms.
"Our guidance encourages healthcare professionals to spot when someone is dangerously ill, and dispel the myths surrounding them," she said.
"They remain poorly understood with devastating consequences for thousands of patients and their families.
"If we are to stop the eating disorders epidemic in its tracks, it's vital that this guidance reaches healthcare professionals urgently and that government backs them with the necessary resources to implement them."
One in five deaths of people with anorexia are due to suicide, while all eating disorders see high rates of self-harm and depression.
Getting help with eating disorders
If you or anyone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, visit the following helplines for guidance and support:
https://eating-disorders.org.uk/