Number of children admitted to hospital for eating disorders soars by 160% in the past decade

THE number of children being admitted to hospital with eating disorders has soared in the past decade.

Admissions for those aged 18 or under with bulimia or anorexia have surged 160 per cent, from 1,700 in 2010 to 4,500 last year.

The number of admissions among under-13s has tripled, from 74 to 229.

Dr Agnes Ayton, of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said social media was partly to blame.

She said children and young people were often influenced by role model celebrities who promoted diets online.

She said: “For young people who are showing early signs of eating disorders, their families will tell them they are putting themselves at risk. But they can find social media groups of people who encourage this type of behaviour.”

Emma Thomas, of charity Young Minds, called the figures worrying.

She said community care for young people with disorders had improved but said it could be difficult for them to get the help they needed before they reach crisis point.

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She added: “Getting early support for an eating disorder can prevent problems escalating, meaning young people are more likely to fully recover.”

Tom Quinn, of eating disorders charity Beat, said the rise in admissions might indicate that healthcare professionals are getting better at identifying eating disorders.

Hospital admissions for eating disorders for all ages are up 37 per cent in the past two years, NHS Digital data for England shows.