Increasing number of young females seeking hospital treatment due to eating disorders
In the year 2023, a significant increase was observed in the number of hospital admissions for eating disorders, particularly among girls and young women aged 10 to 17. According to recent statistics, this age group accounted for nearly half of all patients treated, with 6,000 cases, a doubling in numbers compared to 2003.
The number of women treated for eating disorders in 2023 was 11,300, representing 93.3% of the total, while only around 820 men were treated. This gender disparity is consistent with trends observed since 2003, where women were significantly more likely to be hospitalised for eating disorders.
Anorexia nervosa was the most prevalent eating disorder treated in 2023, accounting for nearly three-quarters (76.0% or 9,200 patients) of all cases. The average length of treatment for eating disorders in 2023 was 53.2 days, significantly longer than the average hospital stay of 7.2 days.
The increase in hospital admissions among adolescent girls is attributed to a complex interplay of biological, psychological, developmental, and sociocultural factors. Key contributing factors include sociocultural pressures, psychological and developmental risk factors, biological and genetic influences, stress and major life changes, activity-related risk, and increased awareness, diagnosis, and hospital admissions.
Societies that idealize thinness and emphasize appearance contribute to higher rates of eating disorders, as seen in the influence of social media and cultural standards that promote unrealistic body images. Traumatic childhood experiences, problematic familial relationships, and genetic susceptibility also play a role in the development of eating disorders.
The rise in hospital treatments among adolescent girls reflects both an increase in risk exposures related to cultural ideals and trauma as well as enhanced identification and access to care for these serious mental health conditions.
It is important to note that the number of deaths due to eating disorders in 2023 is lower than the highest recorded figure in the past 20 years (100 deaths in 2008) but higher than the lowest (36 deaths in 2004). This suggests that while there has been a rise in hospital admissions, there is also a growing awareness and willingness to seek treatment, which may contribute to better outcomes for those affected.
References:
[1] National Eating Disorders Association. (2023). Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/general-information/statistics
[2] American Psychiatric Association. (2022). What is anorexia nervosa? Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anorexia-nervosa/what-is-anorexia-nervosa
[3] National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Eating Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders/index.shtml
[4] American Psychological Association. (2022). Eating disorders: What parents should know. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/eating-disorders
Other studies in health-and-wellness and mental health suggest that the increase in eating disorders among adolescent girls could be linked to the pervasive influence of social media and cultural standards, as well as familial relationships, genetic factors, and traumatic childhood experiences. Moreover, the rise in hospital treatments for eating disorders indicates a growing awareness and towards seeking care for these mental health conditions.
