Hospital admissions for eating disorders have surged 37% in two years, NHS figures reveal.
And the rise is across all age groups, including teenage girls with anorexia.
NHS Digital data shows 19,040 admissions for eating disorders in 2018/19, up from 16,558 in 2017/18 and 13,885 in 2016/17.
The 2018/19 figures include 4,471 admissions in those aged 18 and under, up 8% from 4,158 the year before.
More than half of the most recent admissions in children were for anorexia, with 2,403 admissions, up 12% from 2,147 on the previous 12 months.
The most common age for hospital admission with anorexia was 13 to 15, with 1,056 admissions among girls in this age group, up from 939 the year before, and a further 53 cases in boys.
Women aged 19 and over accounted for 5,274 admissions for anorexia and 3,542 for bulimia.
Dr Agnes Ayton, from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: “Rising hospital admissions for eating disorders are very worrying as they are the deadliest mental health disorders.
“Healthcare professionals need to be better trained at spotting eating disorders as early diagnosis and treatment can and saves lives.
“The college’s found that one in six eating disorders psychiatrist posts are unfilled.
"The Government’s ambitious plans to improve services are likely to fail if this shortage isn’t addressed.”
