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 Eating disorders commonly affect | | | | other signs include becoming withdrawn.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