Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate his Department has made of the increase in prevalence of eating disorders amongst under 18s since March 2020.

For urgent cases, data for October to December 2021 shows that 649 children and young people with an eating disorder started treatment, compared to pre-pandemic levels of 353 in January to March 2020. A further 203 children and young people were waiting to start treatment, compared with pre-pandemic levels of 18.

For routine cases, data for October to December 2021 show that 2,460 children and young people with an eating disorder started treatment, compared to pre-pandemic levels of 1,850 in January to March 2020. A further 1,918 children and young people were waiting to start treatment, compared with pre-pandemic levels of 543.

To meet the waiting time standard, we are investing an additional £79 million in 2021/22 to expand children’s mental health services, including allowing 2,000 more children and young people to access eating disorder services.