Eating disorder hospitalizations on the rise, affecting 'atypical' groups the most

Toronto, ON, December 4, 2023 – There was a disproportionate rise in pediatric eating disorder hospitalizations among males, younger adolescents, and individuals with eating disorder diagnoses other than anorexia or bulimia, according to a new study from researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and ICES. 

This large, population-based study spanned a 17-year period in Ontario, Canada (2002-2019), and tracked an overall increase of 139% in eating disorder hospitalizations among children and adolescents, with a total of 11,654 hospitalizations. The number of co-occurring mental illness diagnoses for each hospitalization also rose. 

Across all age groups, the researchers observed the largest absolute increases for females and those in mid-adolescence. However, other groups of individuals were disproportionately affected. 

"Our study found that increasing numbers of pediatric eating disorder patients with characteristics traditionally considered atypical are becoming unwell enough to require hospitalization,” says Dr. Sarah Smith, an attending physician in the Department of Psychiatry at SickKids and ICES trainee. Dr. Smith completed the research as a fellow at SickKids. 

Relative to other groups, the greatest increases were seen for: 

1. Males (an increase of 416%) 

2. Younger teens, aged 12-14 years (an increase of 196%); and  

3. Those with eating disorders other than anorexia and bulimia nervosa (an increase of 255%) 

The authors suggest several possible explanations for these rising rates, including an overall increase in the prevalence of eating disorders (particularly among less typical populations), improved screening and detection, and a reduction in stigma. One limitation of the study is that provincial data is not collected on eating disorder diagnoses or services outside of acute care settings, which could mean that rates are greatly underestimated. 

“Health care providers need to be aware of the increasing diversity of children and adolescents requiring intensive, inpatient, eating disorder care to help identify these patients earlier in their illnesses. The effectiveness of existing treatments and programs for pediatric eating disorder patients with these characteristics should also be evaluated,” says Dr. Smith. 

The study, “Characteristics of pediatric patients hospitalized with eating disorder diagnoses in Ontario over time” was published in JAMA Network Open. 

Authors: Smith S, Charach A, To T, Toulany A, Fung, K, Saunders N.  

ICES is an independent, non-profit research institute that uses population-based health information to produce knowledge on a broad range of health care issues. Our unbiased evidence provides measures of health system performance, a clearer understanding of the shifting health care needs of Ontarians, and a stimulus for discussion of practical solutions to optimize scarce resources. ICES knowledge is highly regarded in Canada and abroad, and is widely used by government, hospitals, planners, and practitioners to make decisions about care delivery and to develop policy. For the latest ICES news, follow us on X: @ICESOntario 

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is recognized as one of the world’s foremost paediatric health-care institutions and is Canada’s leading centre dedicated to advancing children’s health through the integration of patient care, research and education. Founded in 1875 and affiliated with the University of Toronto, SickKids is one of Canada’s most research-intensive hospitals and has generated discoveries that have helped children globally. Its mission is to provide the best in complex and specialized family-centred care; pioneer scientific and clinical advancements; share expertise; foster an academic environment that nurtures health-care professionals; and champion an accessible, comprehensive and sustainable child health system. SickKids is a founding member of Kids Health Alliance, a network of partners working to create a high quality, consistent and coordinated approach to paediatric health care that is centred around children, youth and their families. SickKids is proud of its vision for “Healthier Children. A Better World.” 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: 

Misty Pratt 
Senior Communications Associate, ICES 
Misty.Pratt@ices.on.ca