Eating Disorders Awareness Week, observed from 24th February to 2nd March, seeks to illuminate the increasing prevalence and profound impact of eating disorders across the UK. Lee Hawker-Lecesne, clinical programme director at The Cabin, a rehabilitation centre in Thailand, discusses the surge in cases, recognising early signs, and avenues for assistance.

Recent data reveals a notable escalation in eating disorders within the UK, especially among the youth. The charity Beat estimates that between 1.25 and 3.4 million individuals are affected, with approximately 25% being male. This suggests that up to 5% of the population may be impacted.

Alarmingly, the incidence among younger demographics has surged. The proportion of 11–16-year-olds diagnosed with an eating disorder increased from 0.5% in 2017 to 2.6% in 2023. For those aged 17–19, rates escalated from 0.8% to 12.5% over the same timeframe.

Social media platforms have been identified as significant contributors to the development and exacerbation of eating disorders, particularly among adolescents. Social media use is a plausible risk factor for the development of eating disorders in young people, as it increases the risk of social comparison and promotes the need to be thin or fit.

Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok have been noted for accelerating issues related to body image dissatisfaction. Recent data indicates that 81% of UK internet users aged 18 to 24 engage with platforms like YouTube, with significant usage of other platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. This widespread usage underscores the potential for social media to influence body image perceptions and eating behaviours.

Lee Hawker-Lecesne emphasises the complexity of eating disorders: “Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that can affect anyone, no matter what gender, age, background, or ethnicity. This is a human issue, and left untreated, it can result in serious long-term consequences. More awareness and education are needed to combat media-fuelled stereotypes and encourage early intervention.”

He also highlights the multifaceted impact of social media on mental health: “While providing a platform for expression and social support, research indicates a clear association between social media use and mental health problems. A staggering 92% of UK teenagers are active on social media, with the 13–17 age group being particularly heavy users.”

He further notes the various ways social media can affect well-being: “The impact on mental health is multifaceted, encompassing impaired sleep, cyber victimisation, and social comparison.”

Eating disorders encompass various conditions where abnormal habits around eating, exercise, and weight become dominant, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, among others. These obsessions can severely impact an individual’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

Common signs of an eating disorder

• Preoccupation with weight and body shape
• Strict food habits or routines
• Self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives
• Excessive or compulsive exercise
• Avoidance of social situations involving food
• Mood fluctuations and behavioural changes
• Sleep disturbances
• Physical symptoms such as digestive issues, weight fluctuations, feeling cold, fatigue, or dizziness

Reflecting on personal eating habits

If you are questioning your eating habits, consider the following:

• Do you experience feelings of guilt or shame when you eat?
• Are you preoccupied by thoughts of being thinner?
• Do you tend to eat in isolation or secret?
• Have others commented on your eating habits?
• Do you weigh yourself at least once a day?
• Do you skip meals to lose or avoid gaining weight?
• Do you exercise more than once a day?
• Do your emotions affect your eating habits?
• Do you avoid close relationships or social activities?
• Do you vomit after meals?

Seeking help

If you answered “yes” to more than one of the above, you might be struggling with disordered eating or an eating disorder. These behaviours and thoughts can develop gradually, often becoming ingrained before an individual recognises the severity of the issue. Identifying these patterns early and acknowledging their impact on daily life is a crucial step towards seeking professional support and intervention.

Increasing awareness and ensuring timely access to treatment remain essential in addressing the growing prevalence of eating disorders. Lee Hawker-Lecesne suggests: “More awareness and education are needed to combat media-fuelled stereotypes and encourage early intervention.”

If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, professional help should be sought promptly. Early treatment significantly improves the chances of recovery. Contacting a general practitioner (GP) is the first step towards accessing support and treatment.