Paediatricians sound alarm at huge surge in child eating disorders

Cases of anorexia and other eating disorders have quadrupled in some areas during the coronavirus pandemic, doctors say.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) issued an alert to parents, saying the Christmas and new year period can be stressful for young people who struggle with disordered eating.

That comes on top of massive disruption to schooling and other areas of life due to Covid-19 which has led to a loss of physical and social activity, plus money worries and bereavement for some.

“In our tier 4 under 13s mental health inpatient unit we have seen a three- to fourfold increase in children referred to our service with eating disorders, and they are just the tip of the iceberg.” Dr Nancy Bostock, a consultant in Cambridge, said in a statement provided by the college.

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Source: The Independent, 29 December 2020