444: Why are eating disorders still rising in girls?

<div>Why have, for many years, eating disorders disproportionately affected girls?<br> <br> In a previous episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we focused on <a href="https://foodmatterslive.com/podcast/we-need-to-talk-about-eating-disorders-in-men-and-boys/">how eating disorders affect boys and men</a>.<br> <br> For boys and men, it is a relatively new topic of discussion, even if the issue has been around for some time.<br> <br> But girls and young women eating disorders have been spoken about in public discourse for much longer.<br> <br> The problem is, the number of people affected is still rising.<br> <br> According to the NHS, more young people than ever are receiving treatment for eating disorders.<br> <br> In the last year, there has been a 35% increase in hospital admissions, with girls aged 17-to-19 having higher rates than any other demographic.<br> <br> They are difficult figures to ignore and raise the question: Why do eating disorders affect more girls than boys?<br> <br> What role do the media, the food industry, and social pressure have to play?<br> <br> And, as the London Centre for Eating Disorders suggests, has the Covid pandemic had an impact on cases?<br> <br> <strong>Guests:<br> Fiona Hamlin, Registered Dietitian<br> Cliona Brennan, The London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image</strong> </div>