Teachers, school nurses, and GPs will be given more support to spot the early signs of eating disorders.
The number of children and young people treated for eating disorders has risen two fifths since the pandemic (from 8,034 in 2019/20, to 11,174 in 2024/25).
New guidance has been published which clamps down on the use of BMI thresholds to assess whether someone needs eating disorder treatment, with staff reminded not to use the out-dated practice.
Instead, NHS clinicians will use a range of factors to assess young people with more focus on behaviour changes and family concerns rather than relying on rigid measures.
teachers, GPs, and school nurses will also get online training to ensure they are aware of signs and how they can refer a child for NHS support.
Every local area in England now has a specialist eating disorder service for children and young people.
Dr Adrian James, national medical director for mental health and neurodiversity at NHS England, said: “NHS staff have worked incredibly hard to transform eating disorder services over the last decade, but we are determined to ensure no child is left to suffer in silence.
“We know the significant pressures young people are experiencing which can be exacerbated by social media bombarding them with content that does not always show realistic body images.
“And we’re seeing the impact of that with growing numbers of young people turning to the NHS for eating disorder support, but it’s vital that everyone knows how to access this treatment which is why we will be offering training to teachers, GPs and school nurses to spot the signs and refer children for specialist help faster.
“So, if you or anyone you know is in need of support please contact your GP”.
Tom Quinn, director of external affairs at charity Beat, said: “Demand for eating disorder services has risen steeply since the pandemic and we know that access to these services can vary widely depending on location. The publication of this new guidance is an encouraging step in the right direction, helping to ensure equitable access to eating disorder treatment across the country.
“We worked closely with NHS England during the drafting process and will do all we can to support its implementation. We’re pleased by the focus upon issues we’ve long been campaigning on, including early intervention, addressing inequalities in care, access to intensive community and day treatment options, and support for families and carers. It’s particularly positive that avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) has been included – now, it’s crucial that all NHS integrated care boards respond by developing a dedicated and evidence-based care pathway.
“Moving forward, the government must not allow this guidance to be left in limbo and ensures it is implemented promptly. We need the right staffing for this to work, and so recruiting and keeping staff should be a key priority. It’s imperative that funds are made available nationally and locally to deliver on this ambitious guidance and begin to tackle the growing crisis in eating disorder services”.
