Irish eating disorders service sees 10pc increase in service users

Irish eating disorders service Bodywhys has demonstrated in their annual report that 2016 saw a 10 per cent increase in people with disordered eating issues using their support services.

According to the report, the service has seen a a 33 per cent increase in support emails received. 

It has also seen a 30 per cent jump in people attending support groups, and a 6 per cent increase in people using their online support groups.

The group also presented their findings from their call service, with 13 per cent of those calling being in a time of crisis. 

People aged 15 to 18 made up almost one quarter of those who contacted the service.

Anorexia was the most common illness, as 60 per cent of those who contacted Bodywhys were struggling with this particular disorder.

Bulimia sufferers made up 17 per cent, while Binge Eating Disorder sufferers made up 19 per cent. 

Those suffering with EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified) made up 4 per cent. 

These figures come after Bodywhys commented on new Netflix film To The Bone, which gives a depiction of eating disorders.

'Bodywhys acknowledges that the filmmakers have understood the seriousness and complexity of eating disorders.'

'Visual and other elements of the film may be challenging for those with a personal connection to the issue of eating disorders.'

'The central character, Ellen, is in crisis and unwell. Some scenes involving specific eating disorder behaviours are shown, along with personal and emotional conversations.'