Figures show that almost 10,000 children and young people started treatment for eating disorders between April and December 2021, an increase of 25 per cent compared to the same period the previous year and almost two thirds more than before the pandemic.

Claire Murdoch, NHS mental health director, says it is vital that people come forward as quickly as possible so the NHS can provide care. "Parents can find information on potential symptoms, such as binge eating, feeling guilty after eating and negative self image – and other signs of a potential eating disorder – on the NHS website," she said. "They should not hesitate to contact the NHS if they think their child might need some support."

Mental health services, including eating disorder services, are being backed by an additional 2.3 billion of Government funding every year until 2023/24.