Every day, we see flawless physiques on television, across social media, and on the catwalk. In the modern world, a huge amount of resources is poured into creating an ideal image that is often far from reality. Nevertheless, many people strive to achieve this archetypal look. While promoting a healthy lifestyle is good, this push for perfection is generally exploited from a marketing perspective. In most cases, this leads to negative outcomes. In the pursuit of career advancement in modelling and achieving a perfect appearance, individuals develop eating disorders. Anorexia is one of the most common of these illnesses, and it is sadly widespread in London. Read more at ilondon.
The General Situation Regarding Eating Disorders in the City
In reality, the prevalence of eating disorders in London worsened significantly between 2016 and 2023. The London Assembly drew considerable attention to this issue. According to data received from the city’s mental health trusts, there was an approximately 55% increase in referrals among adults. However, this information doesn’t indicate that all patients received the necessary treatment. Unfortunately, in such cases, General Practitioners (GPs) are not always able to correctly recognise the symptoms of these conditions or prescribe truly effective treatment. Many doctors lack the knowledge and skills, as this area of medicine is quite specific, and generic treatment can cause harm. London does have centres and hospitals specialising in eating disorders (including anorexia). However, given the rising demand, their number is quite small. Patients sometimes have to wait several months for an appointment.
One of the biggest issues in the UK capital is the increase in the number of cases among children and adolescents. Since 2016, the number of such patients has risen by a staggering 150%. These are quite disheartening figures, and the causes are varied. However, one of the main factors remains the pervasive influence of social media. Children are the segment of society constantly connected to their gadgets. Considering the still-developing psyche of younger children or the hormonal changes in adolescents, such data was perhaps to be expected. Moreover, the incidence of these disorders continues to grow year after year.
Causes and Treatment Methods for Anorexia
While anorexia can affect people of any age, it is most commonly found in adolescents (predominantly girls). As mentioned above, young people in this age bracket are exceptionally vulnerable. Therefore, specialists at many London healthcare institutions treat these problems holistically. For example, Nightingale Hospital closely links anorexia nervosa with mental health. This hospital holds Royal College of Psychiatrists accreditation for eating disorders, and its specialists are experts in the field. They offer three main forms of treatment: outpatient, day patient, and inpatient care. However, before seeking treatment, it is important to be familiar with the main symptoms.
These symptoms include a reduced intake of food (often combined with a self-imposed increase in physical exercise), menstrual cycle disturbances, and dissatisfaction with one’s own weight. Essentially, the person consciously avoids eating and constantly attempts to lose weight. The result can be sleep disorders, the development of depression, uncontrollable weight loss, and fatigue.
During the treatment of anorexia, psychological and emotional support is paramount. The hospital provides counselling to establish the main factors that led to the condition. This helps determine the appropriate therapy, based on the patient’s individual needs. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Family-Based Therapy (FBT) are often key to success and recovery from the illness. Therefore, treatment requires considering a multitude of aspects, as well as being ready for a potentially long rehabilitation process.