The number of young people in Japan newly diagnosed with the eating disorder anorexia rose about 60 percent in fiscal 2020 from the previous year, due possibly to increased stress and anxiety amid the coronavirus pandemic, a survey showed.
Despite the uptick in patients, some hospitals saw a lack of beds available for those with serious conditions, as they likely had to give up beds to treat COVID-19 patients, according to the survey released last month by the National Center for Child Health and Development.
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that is characterized by an abnormally low body weight, an obsessive fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of weight. It can lead to a life-threatening condition or even death.
The survey found 28 boys and 230 girls under 20 years old were newly diagnosed with the eating disorder in fiscal 2020 through March this year, both up over 60 percent from the previous year.
An official of the center attributed the increase in anorexic patients among young people to the coronavirus pandemic, which has disrupted the lives of students at elementary, junior high and high schools.
The center said there should be more medical institutions capable of treating patients with eating disorders.
It also called on parents and schools to pay attention to any child suffering weight loss and refer them to a hospital before their health condition gets worse.
I – Word Understanding
Anorexia nervosa – an eating disorder characterized by refusal to maintain a healthy body weight, and an obsessive fear of gaining weight due to a distorted self image
Uptick – a small increase
Calendar year vs Fiscal year:
Calendar year – 1 year period starting Jan 1 and ending Dec 31
Fiscal year – 1 year period that could start any time of the year as determined by an institution or business entity
II – Have Your Say
1, Eating disorders are serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact a person’s health, emotions and ability to function in important areas of life. Please share any information you know about eating disorders.
2, While anorexia is considered a mental issue, social media and the fashion industry has always been blamed as the main reason many (esp. young people) suffer from eating disorders. What do you think are the factors that affect young people in your country causing anorexia and other eating disorders?
3, What do you consider major problems in the younger age groups in your country? What are done so far to alleviate those issues?
832 New anorexic patients up 60% among young people in Japan
