The Faculty of Eating Disorders has published a report highlighting the urgent need to address the implementation gap in eating disorder (ED) treatment and prevention. EDs affect a broad spectrum of the population. NHS digital data reveals alarming figures: 16% of adults, 75% of young women, and 50% of young men report symptoms of EDs in England. While the rates are highest among young women, there has been a substantial rise among working-age men, indicating a shift in demographics. High-risk groups also include individuals with Type 1 diabetes, obesity, and those with psychiatric or neurodevelopmental conditions. In total, 2-3 million people in the UK are affected.
The economic impact is significant, costing the UK an estimated £7.5–11.2 billion annually. Despite NICE-approved treatments, access remains inadequate; only 3.6% of children and 1.3% of adults accessed specialist treatment in England in 2022. Comparable data for Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales is unavailable, indicating further disparities across the UK.
This symposium examines the prevalence and impact of EDs and the substantial gap in treatment despite available evidence-based interventions. It outlines the key risk factors and the low implementation rate of effective prevention strategies. The session explores the causes of these gaps, including system-level barriers and the lack of integrated healthcare delivery.
To address these issues, the symposium presents ten strategic actions, including a nationwide assessment to inform policy and strategic planning. This initiative aims to scale up evidence-based interventions effectively across sectors. Diverse perspectives—from lived experiences to public health policy—emphasise the need for a coordinated, scalable approach.
The findings are vital for psychiatrists, who play a crucial role in implementing these strategies, bridging gaps, and improving outcomes. Attendees will gain practical insights into aligning clinical practice with public health initiatives to ensure effective, equitable care for all.
Learning objectives
By attending this session you will:
- Understand the changing prevalence and impact of eating disorders: Enhance your understanding of the prevalence, demographic trends, and economic consequences of eating disorders, including the latest data on high-risk groups and the changing demographics
- Analyse systemic barriers and risk factors: Develop skills in identifying key risk factors and systemic challenges affecting access to care, including healthcare delivery gaps and regional disparities within the UK
- Apply evidence-based interventions: Gain practical knowledge on implementing and scaling up evidence-based treatments and prevention strategies for eating disorders, aligning clinical practice with NICE guidelines
- Build competency in coordinating care across healthcare sectors and using public health frameworks to ensure equitable, scalable, and patient-centred solutions for diverse populations, enhancing your role as a psychiatrist in closing treatment gaps.
Speakers
Chair: Dr Ashish Kumar, Mersey Care NHS FT, Prescot
Ms Hope Virgo, lived experience, Bristol
Mr James Downs, RCPsych patient representative, Cardiff
Dr Agnes Ayton, Oxford Health NHS FT, Oxford
Dr Jonathan Campion, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London
Mr Stephen Watkins, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Availability
This webinar is part of the Congress webinar 2025 package. If you attended all four days of Congress, you will have access to these as part of your Congress package. Otherwise the Congress webinar 2025 package can be purchased below.
