HEALTH: Hidden curse of eating disorders
Wednesday, January 22, 2003
A report out next month could help youth workers prevent eating disorders. The launch of Hidden costs of an eating disorder, produced by the Eating Disorders Association, will be part of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, from 2-8 February.
Steve Bloomfield, media and information manager at the association, said there were many social consequences of eating disorders of which youth work professionals should be aware. These include debt, alcohol and drug abuse, self-harm and loss of employment.
"Eating disorders mean a huge strain on carers," he said.
There are an estimated 1.1 million people with eating disorders in the UK, of whom the "vast majority" are aged between 14 and 25, according to Bloomfield.
The report is online at www. edauk.com.
