In a very frightening trend Eating Disorders Victoria revealed that children as young as 7 - 9 were being affected by eating disorders like anorexia. While this instance is only reported a handful of times a year, a handful is too many.

Anorexia nervosa striking children as young as seven
Herald Sun, 31st March 2011

"Children as young as seven have been admitted to hospitals for eating disorders.

A peak support group has reported a doubling of calls about children under the age of 12 in the past decade.

Complications from malnutrition for young people with anorexia nervosa include retarded growth, osteoporosis, infertility and changes in brain structure.

Eating Disorders Victoria said children aged seven, eight and nine had been admitted to hospital for treatment, including psychological care and help to gain weight.

Executive officer Kirsty Greenwood said eating disorders in children were rare, but there was rising concern that anorexia sufferers were getting younger.

"Concerns about body image, and dieting behaviours, are presenting young and younger," she said.

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"It would have been unheard of 10 years ago to see a child aged seven with an eating disorder."

Eating disorders in children could be under-diagnosed because there wasn't enough research....."

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