Supporting young people with eating difficulties

Across the UK, growing numbers of children are experiencing eating disorders, with demand for specialist services rising sharply since the pandemic.

Nationally, the number of children and young people accessing eating disorder services has increased from 8,034 in 2019/20 to 11,174 in 2024/25, a rise of almost 40%.

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

Dr Adrian James, National Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity at NHS England

Our Eating Difficulties and ARFID Service provides psychologically focused support for children and young people aged 8 to 18, along with their families, who experience eating challenges that do not meet the criteria for a formal eating disorder diagnosis. Community, the theme of this year’s Eating Disorders Awareness Week, is central to the way our service approaches care.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week unites people across the UK to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and promote early support for anyone affected by eating disorders. Led nationally by Beat, this year’s theme is “Community”, celebrating the strength that comes from shared understanding and connection.

In our Eating Difficulties and ARFID Service, we offer a parent group as one of our first lines of treatment. These groups help parents develop shared knowledge and understanding of their child’s difficulties, learn practical strategies alongside other families, and gain the often much‑needed reassurance that they are not alone.

Our early onset group supports families where a young person is at risk of developing an eating disorder, and where behaviours such as skipping meals stem from anxieties around weight, shape, or food. Parents learn ways to support their child through mealtimes and how changes in communication can help young people complete meals more successfully.

Our selective eating group focuses on longer-term challenges with food, often linked to sensory sensitivities, fears triggered by past experiences such as choking or vomiting, or difficulties recognising hunger cues. Parents learn where these challenges originate and develop strategies they can use at home to support their child to try and enjoy new foods that may previously have been avoided.

If you are affected by this or think you may have an eating disorder, there is support available.

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