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Health minister Rosie Winterton today announced that the Government has awarded nearly £2 million to fund research into improving treatment for anorexia nervosa.
Evidence suggests that the sooner anorexia nervosa is identified and treated, the better the long term outcomes for the patient. However, the condition, which some surveys suggest affects one per cent of 15 to 25 year olds, can be difficult to diagnose because young people may not realise they are seriously ill, and can be very reluctant to tell anyone even when they do know. It can also be difficult to treat because it is often associated with very complex emotional needs.
Health minister Rosie Winterton said:
"Anorexia is a debilitating illness that, if not caught early, can be difficult to treat. The fact that 15 per cent of cases result in death highlights the serious nature of the condition.
"We want to improve the effectiveness of the treatment available, so I am today announcing £2 million to fund research into improving care which, if successful, will enable professionals to better treat the complex emotional issues that are often associated with anorexia.
"We all have a role to play in tackling a disease that has blighted the lives of too many young people. The development of 'size zero' as something young girls aspire to is deeply worrying. Society, particularly the media, must do more promote a more positive body image for young people."
Susan Ringwood, Chief Executive of eating disorder charity Beat
(www.b-eat.co.uk) said:
"We are delighted to be part of this important research study. We will be contributing to the early identification of eating disorders and how best to support families too. There is world-class research being done in the UK, but still so much we need to learn about these challenging and complex conditions." | 
