A fifth of women living in England have an eating disorder, including 28 per cent of those aged 16 to 24, the findings of a national NHS health survey revealed.
The annual Health Survey for England asked more than 8,200 adults for the first time about eating and thought patterns which may indicate an eating disorder.
The study found that 16 per cent of adults in 2019 have a possible eating disorder, including four per cent who said their feelings about food interfered with their ability to work, meet personal responsibilities or enjoy a social life.
Among women, those under 35 were most likely to have a possible eating disorder, with the chance dropping off in line with age and lowest among the over 75s.