The number of teenagers admitted to the hospital in the UK for an eating disorder in the last three years has doubled, according to a new study.
In 2010 to 2011, the NHS saw nearly 1,000 teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 admitted to the hospital for an eating disorder. From 2013 to 2014, the number rose to 1,815 teenagers. According to Dr. Carolyn Nahman of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the pressure of social media is probably to blame for the increase in patients, since the “ideal” body is often flaunted via the social platforms.
Nahman added that vulnerable teenagers can easily access idolized bodies at any time.
“Young people who look at these images often develop body image dissatisfaction, quite low self-esteem, because they’re constantly comparing themselves to these perfect images,” Nahman said.
The ChildLine help line also reported that it’s received more phone calls in the last three years than regularly. In fact, the rate has soared by 110 percent. The organization has received more than 10,5000 calls and online inquiries for food and weight related anxiety recently.
ChildLine contributed the change in numbers to an increase in anorexia websites and celebrity culture. However, like Nahman, ChildLine suggested that the rise in social media is probably also a factor of contribution.
“We also know the 24/7 nature of social media places huge pressures on our children and young people which in turn can lead to significant emotional issues,” Sue Minto, head of ChildLine, said. “And society is increasingly bombarded with celebrities and airbrushed images which give an impossible view of what ‘beautiful’ is.”
It was suggested that young girls often use social media to swap tips on losing weight and other potentially problematic behaviors.
Source: DailyMail