Eating disorders increasing amid calls to tackle problems

Ne w f i g u re s re v e a l fluctuations in the number of people across Lanarkshire who are being diagnosed with an eating disorder each year.

The latest statistics, which cover 2016/17, show that 32 people in the region were diagnosed with an eating disorder – down from the 37 recorded during the previous 12 months, but significantly above the 25 in 2013/14.

And the figures show that since 1999, a total of 433 patients were diagnosed with an eating disorder in Lanarkshire.

The i n f o rma t i o n came from the Scottish Government in reply to a question tabled by the Conservatives.

Sp e a k i n g to the Advertiser, Central Scotland Conservative MSP Margaret Mitchell said: “Eating disorders have become far more prevalent in recent years and it is clear more needs to be done to tackle problems before they become so serious that a patient needs to go to hospital in order to receive treatment.

“All parties need to work together to consider how better help can be given to people struggling with conditions like anorexia and bulimia.

Mrs Mitchell added: “Particular consideration needs to be given to the particular impact that eating disorders will have on our young people.

“L ooking at their experiences of living with these conditions is crucial to understanding whether they can access the support they need.

“This is closely linked to the broader issue of mental health and the need for there to be a parity of esteem with physical health.”

Across Scotland, a total of 726 people were diagnosed as having an eating disorder during the last year.