Researchers at the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit estimated that 3.5 children in every 100,000 in the UK are treated for an eating disorder, including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating.

Over a 13 month evaluation, 206 children under 12 years were treated for an eating disorder in Britain and Ireland. At the extreme end of the spectrum, one six-year-old girl was diagnosed with food avoidance, excessive exercising and fear of weight gain. Around 18% of cases identified were seen in boys.

Eating disorders commonly affect adolescents and young adults but until now it has been unclear how many young children are diagnosed and treated.

Puberty and body image are often to blame in these cases among the younger population. Not to mention the effect of skinny models and celebs. Even genetics plays a strong influence. But parents can detect these changes – the experts suggest that children with eating disorders commonly start by cutting out favourite foods such as sweets and crisps and other signs include becoming withdrawn.