Eating Disorders on the Rise in Children
An analysis by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that hospitalizations for eating disorders in children under 12 increased by 119% between 1999 and 2006. Eating disorders are also increasing rapidly in young males, the report says. Young males now represent up to 10% of all cases of eating disorders.
The report recommends that pediatricians recognize signs of eating disorders, screen patients for disordered eating behaviors, and be prepared to intervene when necessary.
