NHS England recently conducted a survey on the mental health of young people, revealing intriguing statistics regarding their eating habits.
The survey, carried out by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), and the universities of Cambridge and Exeter, collected data from February to April of this year. It encompassed 2,370 children and young people aged eight to 25 years old in England.
The results of the Survey
More than 1 in 10 17-19 year-olds in England who participated in this major survey this year was diagnosed with an eating disorder. Specifically, 12.5 percent of 17 to 19-year-olds are affected by an eating disorder, marking a significant increase from 0.8 percent in 2017. Among women in this age group, rates have surged from 1.6 percent to 20.8 percent, while among men of the same age, rates have risen from 0.0 percent to 5.1 percent.
This year’s survey also indicates that eating disorders impact 5.9 percent of 20 to 25-year-olds and 2.6 percent of 11 to 16-year-olds, typically during secondary school years. The latter figure has risen from 0.5 percent in 2017, and this year’s rates are four times higher in girls (4.3 percent) than in boys (1.0 percent).
According to the Mental Health of Children and Young People in England 2023 report, eating disorders in young people aged 11-16 were four times higher in girls than boys.
Health professionals have responded to the results of the survey, sharing their unsettling concerns
Tom Quinn, Beat’s director of external affairs, emphasized the alarming extent of eating disorders among children and young people in England. “We frequently hear from individuals who have been let down by the system, left to slip through the cracks, and consequently, become even more unwell,” Quinn stated. “This data underscores that eating disorders, often considered rare mental illnesses, are actually much more prevalent than commonly believed.” Quinn stressed the immediate need for action. “It’s crucial that support for those affected, including adults, becomes a central focus of mental health policy,” he said. “Moreover, dedicated funding for these services must be prioritized without delay.”
Since the outcome of the survey, directors and head of charities have shared their opinion on the survey
Claire Murdoch, NHS mental health director, commented on the report, highlighting the “unprecedented pressures” faced by young people and the growing demand for NHS children’s mental health services. She noted that the health service has assisted over 700,000 children and young people with their mental health needs this year, pointing out a 47% increase in the number of young people receiving treatment for eating disorders compared to before the pandemic.
NHS England has already implemented 398 mental health support teams in schools and colleges to offer early assistance to young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues. An additional 200 teams are currently undergoing training and are expected to start operating by spring 2025, aiming to cover more than half of the country’s students and learners.
Amy Dicks, representing The Children’s Society, highlighted the uneven availability of support in schools, describing it as a “postcode lottery.” She called on the Government to ensure a full rollout of mental health support teams to ensure every child receives the assistance they require.
Mark Winstanley, CEO of Rethink Mental Illness charity, commented on the “stark statistics,” emphasizing the challenges faced by a generation of young people dealing with both a global pandemic and a cost-of-living crisis. He expressed concern about the significant increase in eating disorders over the past six years, attributing it to underfunding and workforce issues in child and adolescent mental health services.
Tom Quinn, from eating disorder charity Beat, highlighted the scale of eating disorders among children and young people in England, which he described as “devastating.” He emphasized that eating disorders are more common than many people realize and called for better support, particularly dedicated funding, to address this urgent issue in mental health policy.
So, what are ways to support young people with eating disorders?
- Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about eating disorders, including their signs, symptoms, and treatment options. Understanding the disorder can help you provide better support.
- Listen Actively: Create a safe and non-judgmental space where the young person feels comfortable expressing their feelings and experiences. Listen actively without offering judgment or criticism.
- Encourage Professional Help: Encourage the young person to seek professional support from a doctor, therapist, or counselor experienced in treating eating disorders. Offer to help them find appropriate resources if needed.
- Be non-judgmental and understanding: Show empathy and avoid making comments that could exacerbate feelings of guilt or shame.
- Promote Healthy Eating Habits: Encourage balanced and regular meals, and avoid focusing solely on food and weight. Offer support with meal planning and preparation, and emphasize the importance of nourishing their body.
- Offer Emotional Support: Be there to offer emotional support and validation. Let the young person know that you care about them and are there to support them through their journey to recovery.
- Create a Supportive Environment: Foster a supportive environment that promotes positive body image and self-esteem. Avoid making comments about appearance or food choices that could be triggering.
- Be Patient and Understanding: Recovery from an eating disorder is a process that takes time. Be patient, understanding, and compassionate, and avoid placing pressure on the young person to “get better” quickly. Offer consistent support and encouragement throughout their recovery journey.
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/eating-disorders/overview
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