Don’t rely on BMI alone when diagnosing eating disorders in children, says NHS England

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Denis Campbell Health policy editorJanuary 20, 2026 at 01:01 AM

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NHS England has issued new guidance advising health professionals to consider factors beyond Body Mass Index (BMI) when diagnosing eating disorders in children. This follows concerns that over-reliance on BMI has led to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment for young people. The guidance emphasizes considering behavioral changes and family concerns alongside BMI. While welcomed by some experts and charities, the change has also raised concerns that removing BMI as a key indicator could lead to missed diagnoses and a failure to recognize the physical dangers of malnutrition. This change comes as the prevalence of eating disorders has increased, leading to longer wait times for treatment despite increased NHS resources.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

England 50% Royal College of Psychiatrists 60% Hope Virgo ×270% Beat ×270% NHS ×480% NHS England ×390%

Keywords

eating disorders 100% bmi 90% children 70% diagnosis 70% nhs england 70% access to care 60% mental health 50% malnutrition 50% bulimia 40% anorexia 40%