Increase in admissions of females due to eating disorders in hospitals observed
In the past two decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of eating disorders among 10 to 17-year-olds. This trend is linked to several interconnected factors, including childhood trauma, bullying, body image issues, and lifestyle changes such as increased screen time.
Childhood trauma and bullying, encompassing abuse, neglect, family dysfunction, environmental stressors, and bullying related to weight, can exacerbate low self-esteem and poor body image, which are strong risk factors for developing eating disorders. Trauma may lead some children to engage in disordered eating, either by trying to lose weight (risking anorexia) or seeking comfort in food, creating a vicious cycle.
Increased screen time among children and teens has been associated with higher BMI, obesity, and a greater risk of metabolic syndrome. Screen time can foster sedentary behaviors and mindless eating habits, which contribute to weight gain and potentially body dissatisfaction. Such dissatisfaction can increase the risk of eating disorders as youths attempt to manage weight or cope with negative self-perceptions.
Experts attribute the increase in eating disorders to social pressure, beauty ideals on social media, and psychological stress from the pandemic. It is crucial for parents to take notice of signs such as changed eating habits or extreme preoccupation with figure and weight, and seek help early.
Currently, nearly half of hospitalized individuals for eating disorders are aged 10 to 17. On average, inpatient therapy for eating disorders lasts over 50 days. The number of people with eating disorders has remained roughly the same across all age groups over the last 20 years, except for a significant increase among 10 to 17-year-olds. Over 90% of those with eating disorders are female, with anorexia being the most common eating disorder among those treated, followed by bulimia, an eating disorder involving bingeing and purging.
Our website offers resources related to eating disorders, including an article titled "Eating Disorders: Help for Affected Individuals", a video titled "Social Media in the Kids' Room: What Parents Need to Know About Instagram", and a critical trend article titled "Critical Trend #skinnytok: What Should You Know About Eating Disorders?" with audio. We have previously reported on this topic on our website, Hörfunk, on 11.08.2025.
Since 2019, treatments for eating disorders in North Rhine-Westphalia have increased by about 55%. In 2023, twice as many 10 to 17-year-olds were treated for eating disorders compared to 20 years ago. In that same year, 6,000 individuals were hospitalized for eating disorders. Our website, Studios NRW, will remain available until 11.08.2027.
For more information, news agencies AFP and KNA, the Federal Statistical Office, and our website are valuable resources. It is essential to continue the conversation about eating disorders, their causes, and how to seek help, especially for our youth.
[1] Federal Statistical Office [2] KNA [3] AFP
- The rise in eating disorders among 10 to 17-year-olds is linked not only to lifestyle changes, such as increased screen time, but also to mental health factors like childhood trauma, bullying, and psychological stress from events like the pandemic.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and mental-health, it's crucial to recognize that social media pressure and beauty ideals may further fuel eating disorders, and resources like the ones available on our website, including an article on "Eating Disorders: Help for Affected Individuals" and the critical trend article titled "#skinnytok", can provide valuable insights for parents and families.
