Six in 10 older teens in England have ‘possible eating problems’

NHS Digital research reveals scale of issues, with even higher number of 20- to 23-year-olds affected

More than half of older teenagers and young adults in England have a problematic relationship with food, a major survey of young people's mental health has found.

Six in ten (60%) 17- to 19-year-olds have possible problems with eating", according to research undertaken by NHS Digital, the health service's statistical body.

One in four 17- to 19-year-olds have a probable mental disorder - up from one in 10 in 2017 and one in six last year.

Children and young people from households facing financial difficulties, such as those who cannot afford food, are much more likely to have mental health problems.

One in eight 11- to 16-year-olds, and 29.4% of those that age with a mental health disorder such as anxiety or depression, have been bullied online.

One in six 17- to 24-year-olds have tried to harm themselves.