10,000 teenagers battle eating disorders

TEN thousand teenagers are battling eating disorders, according to estimates compiled by a national eating disorder support group.

Bodywhys’ 2001 annual report shows that almost 1,500 victims or their families contacted the helpline last year, although lines were only open six hours a week.

Calls have increased steadily, from 226 in 1997 to 1,448 last year, when the organisation also sent out 1,149 information packs.