A number of young children of less than 12 are being hospitalized due to suffering from eating disorders. A report by Peak Support Group has revealed a two-fold increase in the number of young victims of eating disorders in last 10 years.

In Sydney, Children’s Hospital at Westmead eating disorders clinic that provides its services to kids and teens between ages 7 and 17 has seen 270% rise in eating disorder cases since 2000.

Anorexia and bulimia are two most common types of eating disorders. Anorexia and malnutrition can hinder growth process and may affect changes in brain structure. It can also cause osteoporosis and infertility.

Eating Disorders Victoria Executive Officer, Kirsty Greenwood said that eating disorders among children were rare and 10 years ago no one could have thought of it but dieting behaviors and concerns regarding body image among young and kids are resulting in rise of eating disorder cases.

The extra stress over obesity epidemic has resulted in weight obsession among teens and kids, and they are now more concerned about their weight than being healthy.

The Butterfly Foundation CEO, Christine Morgan, said the eating orders at such young age are complicated. As there hasn’t been adequate research in this field, the eating disorders could be under-diagnosed in children.