Number of Scottish students seeking treatment for eating disorders doubles in five years
Scotland is currently facing an unprecedented number of students seeking help for disordered eating
The number of Scottish students seeking treatment for eating disorders has doubled in the last five years, reaching record levels.
According to BEAT, a UK-based eating disorder charity, the number of young people aged 18-22 who have reached out for support has risen from 723 individuals in 2019-2020 to 1,400 in the 2023-2024 period.
Alex Jones, Project Officer for BEAT Scotland, attributes the increase to the pressures of university life. “We often speak to young people who are worried about adjusting to living away from home, coping with a new routine and making new friends during this time of year,” she said.
BEAT is also urging Scottish universities to participate in its “Bridging the Gap” training programme, which aims to help staff identify early warning signs of eating disorders and provide timely support.
Second-year student, Erin Butler shared her personal experience with anorexia, which she has battled since age 15, with the Daily Record.
She said: “Once my health got better, I leaped at the chance to discharge myself and I decided that university was going to be my fresh start and the beginning of my independence.”
However, Erin explained that her eating disorder worsened during her time at university.
“After I went home for a while, my family and friends reminded me of the world that I love. I signed up for every therapy available, and today I’m living in a lovely house back at university with people who I love.”
While she acknowledges she isn’t fully recovered, she credits her recovery to the support of family, friends, and extensive therapy.
For more information, you can contact BEAT Scotland on 0808 801 0432, or access support online here.
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