| Researchers at the British Paediatric | | | | Eating disorders commonly affect adolescents |
| Surveillance Unit estimated that 3.5 children | | | | and young adults but until now it has been |
| in every 100,000 in the UK are treated for an | | | | unclear how many young children are diagnosed |
| eating disorder, including anorexia, bulimia | | | | and treated. |
| and binge eating. | | | | |
| | | | Puberty and body image are often to blame in |
| Over a 13 month evaluation, 206 children | | | | these cases among the younger population. Not |
| under 12 years were treated for an eating | | | | to mention the effect of skinny models and |
| disorder in Britain and Ireland. At the | | | | celebs. Even genetics plays a strong |
| extreme end of the spectrum, one six-year-old | | | | influence. But parents can detect these |
| girl was diagnosed with food avoidance, | | | | changes - the experts suggest that children |
| excessive exercising and fear of weight gain. | | | | with eating disorders commonly start by |
| Around 18% of cases identified were seen in | | | | cutting out favourite foods such as sweets |
| boys. | | | | and crisps and other signs include becoming |
| | | | withdrawn. |