THERE has been a significant rise in the number of teenage girls diagnosed with eating disorders in recent years, academics warned today.

Experts also sounded the alarm over an increase in rates of self-harm among teenage girls.

The study, published in the Lancet Child And Adolescent Health journal, found that since the pandemic hit, eating disorders were 42 per cent higher than would be expected for teenage girls aged 13-16, and 32 per cent higher for those aged 17-19.

Eating disorder charity Beat said the overall figures were “not surprising” after it had a 300 per cent increase in calls to its helpline during the pandemic.

The charity also raised concerns over inequitable access to care for patients, with children from wealthier backgrounds more likely to be diagnosed.

Mind policy and campaigns manager Gemma Byrne said: “It is deeply concerning to see such an increase in the number of young women experiencing eating disorders, and facing a postcode lottery when it comes to treatment.

“Across the board, the services are struggling to keep pace with a nation in the grip of a mental health crisis.

“Young people with mental health problems are bearing the brunt of years of under-investment.

“The mental health care system needs a complete overhaul to deal with the level of demand services are facing.”

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said it was investing an additional £2.3 billion a year in NHS mental health services by March 2024.