Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the prevalence of eating disorders; and what plans they have to increase resources to treat them.

The number of children and young people entering urgent treatment for an eating disorder increased by 73% in 2020/21, compared to 2019/20. The Health Survey England 2019 showed that 16% of adults aged over 16 years old screened positive for a possible eating disorder.

We are investing approximately £1 billion in community mental health care for adults with severe mental illness by 2023/24. This will allow 370,000 adults with severe mental illnesses, including eating disorders, greater choice and control over their care and support them to live well in their communities.

Since 2016, investment in children and young people's community eating disorder services has increased each year, with an additional £53 million per year from 2021/22. This will enhance the capacity of the 70 new or improved community eating disorder teams. Additional funding has been provided this year for adult and children and young people’s eating disorder services through the £500 million Mental Health Recovery Action Plan.