More young Danes are being diagnosed with an eating disorder, Statistics Denmark and the Health Data Agency has revealed.
In 2022,
- 6,132 people between the ages of 15 and 24 were diagnosed with either anorexia, bulimia, compulsive overeating, or other eating disorders.
- 17,669 Danes suffered from a serious eating disorder and had to be treated at a hospital.
- 4,000 inquiries about eating disorders were received by the Danish National Association for Eating Disorders and Self-Harm.
Association director Laila Walther said children as young as 10 years old have contacted the association to express their unhappiness and shame regarding their body weight and appearance. Eating disorders can be triggered by, among others, bullying, loneliness, divorce, or abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-endangering relationship with food, contact the association helpline at: 7010 1818 or visit Foreningen Spiseforstyrrelser og Selvskade for more info.
