More than quarter of young women have possible eating disorder, major study finds

‘Shocking’ findings suggest eating disorders ‘may be an even bigger issue than previously thought,’ says charity

More than a quarter of women aged between 16 and 24 suffer from a possible eating disorder, research suggests (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

More than one in four young women have a potential eating disorder as experts warn the “shocking” new figures demonstrate specialist health services need to be substantially expanded.

The Health Survey for England, which polled 8,205 adults in 2019, discovered one in six adults in England has a possible eating disorder. 

While four per cent said anxieties about food impinged their ability to work, carry out personal responsibilities or have a social life.

Some 28 per cent of women who were aged between 16 and 24 and 27 per cent of women from 25 to 34 had a potential eating disorder. Researchers found around one in eight male adults have a possible eating disorder.

Andrew Radford, chief executive of Beat, the leading eating disorder charity in the UK, told The Independent the new figures show “stronger action” is required to make sure everyone who is suffering from an eating disorder or is at risk of doing so receives support and treatment.

He added:  “These figures are shocking and highlight that eating disorders may be an even bigger issue than previously thought. 

“The additional government funding being provided for eating disorder services, is very welcome news, but in children’s services it appears to be too often diverted elsewhere, while for adults the amount simply needs to be increased and released more quickly.

“The finding that people living with obesity are more likely to be affected by an eating disorder raises two important points. Firstly, the government must change tack to ensure its anti-obesity campaigns do not increase the risk to people with eating disorders.”

Mr Radford also called for urgent measures to be taken to reverse the “chronic underfunding” and dearth of binge eating disorder services.

He added: “It is essential that services are significantly expanded so that anyone affected, from any diagnosis, can get the help they need at the very earliest opportunity.”

It is estimated that 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder — such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa — with the majority of those being female. 

The figure also includes those binge eat, which can lead to being overweight.

The research found 27 per cent of men and 29 per cent of women were obese in 2019 — far higher than the 14 per cent of men and 17 per cent of women in 1994.

The research found the amount of adults with diabetes has trebled in the last 25 years - rising from three per cent of men and two per cent of women in 1994 to nine per cent and six per cent respectively in 2019.

Researchers discovered 68 per cent of men and 60 per cent of women were overweight or obese in 2019, which is a sharp surge from the 58 per cent of men and 49 per cent of women in 1994.

A report recently shared exclusively with The Independent found eight in 10 women suffering from eating disorders are fearful for their own safety during the second national lockdown which took place in November.

Altum Health, a London-based practice of psychologists, said there had been a surge in people with eating disorders ringing for support after the UK’s coronavirus lockdown. It called for urgent support for those suffering from such disorders in the wake of current nationwide measures to contain coronavirus.