Health services for eating disorders overrun

Health services for Londoners with eating disorders are struggling to cope with demand, a new report warns.

Data from London's mental health trusts shows adult referrals have increased by 56% - from 3,000 to nearly 8,000 - in the last six years

Child and adolescent referrals increased by 158%, from 1,400 to 4,000, in the same time period.

The report has been compiled by the London Assembly's health committee.

It has made 12 recommendations to London Mayor Sadiq Khan and City Hall officers, which include assessing other physical and mental health indicators as well as just patients' bodyweight as per their BMI.

One consultant clinical psychologist told the committee that "almost all of the eating disorder services in London do not have the staffing levels available to safely provide the care required".

Read full story

Source: BBC News, 7 March 2024