Lockdown has contributed to an increase in eating disorders among young people, education chiefs have warned.
Ofsted has this week published a report into the impact of school closures and other restrictions.
The education watchdog found many older children are showing signs of mental distress, manifesting in an increase in eating disorders and self-harm.
Eating disorder charity Beat said the number of people contacting its helpline between March and September increased by 97% compared to the same period last year.
Speaking at a Sefton Council children’s social care meeting on Tuesday, Lisa Cooper, director for mental health at Alder Hey, said: “We don’t really know the full impact of Covid and lockdown on children’s mental health and I for one expect to see the impact for a number of years.”
Figures discussed at the meeting showed eating disorder referral rates have been above those in 2019, and the number is expected to rise now schools have reopened.
People have different eating habits.
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You might eat more one day than the next, or go through phases of wanting to eat more healthily. But this doesn’t usually mean there’s a problem.
Beat asks the following questions as a starting point to explore, if you’re worried about a loved one.
Are they obsessive about food?
Is their behaviour changing?
Do they have distorted beliefs about their body size?
Are they often tired or struggling to concentrate?
Do they disappear to the toilet after meals?
Have they started exercising excessively?
The charity goes on to say: “If you’re worried someone you care about is showing any signs of an eating disorder – even if they’re not on our list – act quickly and get in touch.”
NHS guidance says warning signs to look out for include:
- dramatic weight loss
- lying about how much and when they have eaten, or how much they weigh
- eating a lot of food very fast
- going to the bathroom a lot after eating, often returning looking flushed
- excessively or obsessively exercising
- avoiding eating with others
- cutting food into small pieces or eating very slowly
- wearing loose or baggy clothes to hide their weight loss
If you are worried someone you know may be developing an eating disorder, visit Beat for information and support.
You can also encourage them to see a GP, and let them know you are worried about them.
Eating disorder recovery is possible, if the right help is sought and received.
For more information or to contact Beat click here
