Mental Health Research Funding Eating Disorders 2025-07-22
2025-07-22
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Q1
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Context
Eating disorders cost the UK an estimated £9 billion each year and affect around 9% of people with mental health conditions. The current allocation for eating disorder research is just 1% of all mental health research funding, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
What recent estimate his Department has made of the proportion of mental health research funding allocated to eating disorders? Eating disorders cost the UK an estimated £9 billion each year, yet receive only 1% of mental health research funding. This is despite affecting around 9% of people with mental health conditions and leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Will the Minister agree to meet me and Beat to discuss how the Government can ensure eating disorder research receives the attention and investment it urgently needs?
I know that this subject is close to my hon. Friend’s heart, and I pay tribute to him for his work on it. We recognise the devastating impact that an eating disorder can have, and the earlier the treatment is provided, the greater the chance of recovery. The Department continues to work closely with NHS England, which is now refreshing guidance on children and young people’s eating disorders. I commend the work of Beat, and I would be happy to discuss this further with my hon. Friend.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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The issue of eating disorders is escalating, and there's a need to address it through collaboration with the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Will the Minister agree to hold discussions and consultations with the devolved structures in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales so this issue can be prioritised?
We remain in close contact with all our colleagues in all the devolved Administrations. I will certainly be following up with officials as we develop the research programmes that we are working on, and as we integrate eating disorders into the broader work we are doing around mental health. Getting 8,500 more mental health workers and creating Young Futures hubs and mental health crisis centres is just some of the work that this Government are doing on this important issue.
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