MP in call for early action to beat eating disorders
MP Liz McInnes is calling for early intervention for eating disorders in the wake of new research which shows the damaging impact of delayed treatment for sufferers and their families.
The research, from UK eating disorder charity Beat, is presented in their new report ‘Delaying for years, denied for months’, which was launched last month in parliament.
Beat’s analysis of more than 1,400 people found that on average it takes sufferers more than 18 months to realise they have an eating disorder and more than a year following this before they seek help.
The research also found an average wait of six months between sufferers first visiting a GP and receiving treatment.
Successfully treating anorexia becomes harder after three years so this wait means that many people are seeking help when their illness is still highly treatable, but not receiving it until later, when the likely outcome is more negative.
Heywood and Middleton MP Liz, whose constituency includes Castleton, Bamford and Norden, said: “It is vital that we raise awareness of eating disorders and ensure that adequate treatment is available for everyone who needs it.
“I am pleased to support Beat’s work highlighting the importance of spotting the first signs of eating disorders to ensure people access the help they need very early on.”
Beat chief executive, Andrew Radford said: “I am delighted that Liz McInnes MP has backed our new research.
“We hope this has highlighted to MPs and government the importance of early intervention and the key part that plays in improving a person’s chances of recovery.
“Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses and when people are treated within three years of falling ill, they are much more likely to have a quick and sustained recovery.”
Beat also found that eating disorders have a significant impact on the whole family.
More than four in ten mums and a third of dads described themselves as ‘extremely badly’ affected by the wait for their son or daughter treatment.
The charity is calling on the government to take action to do more to encourage people to seek help as soon as possible to access and for more funds to be made available so everyone can get treatment once referred to mental health services. See beateatingdisorders.org. uk