THE number of children being treated for eating disorders across the city has fallen, the Glasgow Times can reveal.

Figures show between 229 and 232 children were treated for the illnesses, including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating, across the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) area in 2018.

While the following year between 157 and 163 youngsters received medical attention - a drop of between 69 and 72.

A freedom of information request revealed the biggest decline was in young people aged 15-years-old, with 52 treated in 2018 and 31 in 2019, while the number of 17-year-olds also fell in the 12-month period, from 35 in 2018 to 19 in 2019.

The number of 10-year-olds reduced from 15 in 2018 to less than five in 2019, 11-year-olds dropped from 16 to 7 and 12-year-olds from 20 to 14 patients.

A total of 28 14-year-olds received treatment in 2019, compared with 33 the year before and the number of 16-year-olds fell by one from 33 in 2018 to 32 in 2019.

The number of 13-year-old patients remained the same at 24.

Meanwhile, the number of 18-year-olds is presented as below five for both 2018 and 2019.

For 2020 thus far, the majority of figures are stagnant, with the number of 10, 11, 17 and 18-year-olds remaining the same.

The number of 12-year-olds who have reported for treatment halved from 14 to 7, while 15 13-year-olds and 14 14-year-olds were also treated.

Finally, a total of 16 15-year-olds and 12 16-year-olds received care at one of nine facilities across the Greater Glasgow area designed to tackle eating disorders.

A spokesman for NHSGGC said: "In the event of an increase in the number of children who require treatment in relation to eating disorders which may have manifested during the pandemic, plans are in place to increase clinical capacity for the delivery of care and treatment by increasing efficiency.

“More specifically, the delivery of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Which is one Furthermore, additional engagement with paediatric services has already taken place to help prepare the service for any increase in presentations of acutely physically unwell children and young people who might be suffering from an eating disorder.”

However, critics have warned numbers could be set to soar as the coronavirus pandemic leaves behind a trail of mental health destruction, with Councillor Ade Aibinu saying the figures could be "indicative of a wider issue".

Eating disorder charity Beat revealed its seen a 81 per cent increase in demand for its services.

In June, the charity received a £42,963 boost in a bid to tackle the issues the virus has caused for eating disorder support.

The charity's chief executive, Andrew Radford, said: "Over the past few months we have experienced an unprecedented level of demand for our helpline, while having to plan for the loss of a third of our income.

"We know that this is a particularly difficult time for our beneficiaries, and are proud to have increased our services in order to provide extra help ... Thanks to this funding, we predict we will be able to reach 3000 eating disorder sufferers in Scotland over the next 12 months."

Scottish minister for mental health, Clare Haughey, added: "We know that the earlier in the course of an eating disorder someone is able to access treatment, the better their chance of fully recovering.

"That’s why we are supporting Beat to expand their helpline service, which will enable them to continue providing their vital service to an extra 3000 people during this hugely difficult time."