Why modern life is fueling a silent mental health crisis. Let’s be honest, eating disorders aren’t new. But they are more visible, more talked about, and sadly, more common today than ever before.
At ABBI Clinic, we’ve seen an undeniable increase in people reaching out for help. The question we keep hearing is: why now? What’s changed?
This blog explores the real reasons behind this rise, backed by research, real-life insight, and years of frontline experience in eating disorder treatment.
What’s Changed? Why Are More People Struggling?
The short answer?
The world changed. And so did our relationship with food, body image, and control.
1. The Social Media Effect
Today, we don’t just live we scroll, we compare, we filter.
- Instagram, TikTok, and “body transformation” reels bombard us daily
- “Wellness” influencers push extreme diets in disguise
- Filters blur the line between reality and perfection
And the pressure? It’s heavy especially on young minds still forming self-worth.
Over 40% of teenage girls in the UK say social media makes them feel insecure about their appearance. (Mental Health Foundation)
2. Post-Pandemic Mental Health Fallout
The COVID-19 lockdowns created the perfect storm for disordered eating:
- Isolation from friends and routines
- Loss of structure around meals and exercise
- Emotional stress and anxiety with nowhere to go
Many found control through food restricting it, obsessing over it, or binging it in private.
3. Diet Culture is Getting Smarter
Gone are the days of obvious calorie-counting. Today, diet culture is sneakier:
- “Clean eating”
- “Cheat days”
- “Intermittent fasting”
It’s still control it’s just repackaged as “wellness”.
But Isn’t It Just More Awareness?
It’s true we’re talking about eating disorders more. And that’s a good thing.
But the rise in diagnoses, clinic admissions, and emergency referrals isn’t just awareness it’s a wake-up call.
We’re not imagining it. We’re seeing it. In real time. In real lives.
So, What Can We Do?
The good news? Recovery is real. Early support changes everything.
How ABBI Clinic Can Help?
We offer non-judgemental, expert-led support for:
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Binge Eating Disorder
- ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)
Our approach is personalised, trauma-informed, and family-inclusive.
You are not alone and you are never “too far gone” to recover.
Signs to Watch For
Early signs can be subtle. Trust your gut.
- Obsession with food, calories, or “clean” eating
- Skipping meals or eating in secret
- Rapid weight changes
- Fear of eating around others
- Excessive exercise, guilt after eating
- Changes in mood or self-esteem
FAQs
1. Why are eating disorders more common now?
Due to modern stressors like social media, diet culture, and mental health strain post-pandemic.
2. Are eating disorders only about body image?
No. They’re often about control, trauma, or emotional coping, not vanity.
3. How can someone get help early?
Reaching out to a clinic like ABBI, where early support is available—before it becomes life-threatening.
Final Words:
More people are struggling but more people are also getting better. Recovery is real. It’s not always neat or fast, but it’s possible with the right support. At ABBI Clinic, we’re not here to lecture. We’re here to listen, understand, and walk the journey with you. Because you deserve to feel free again. Free from food fear. Free from shame. Free to be you.
Start your recovery today.