Neglect in Eating Disorder Treatment
By Tiya Modeshia
If you or someone you know has been denied treatment because you don’t fit the criteria then you are not alone. A common problem among clinics and hospitals all over the world is the misguided practise of measuring a patient’s struggles by their BMI. Where a smaller BMI equates to a higher necessity for support. In 2016 a BBC survey found that a third of all mental health trusts used BMIs to determine qualifying patients for their outpatient programmes. (Yassin, 2024) Leaving many patients that were unable to meet the out of reach criteria to fend for themselves. But exactly how out of reach is this qualifying determiner?
In fact, it is calculated that ‘less than 6% of all people with eating disorders are medically underweight.’ (Northville, 2026) This is not only harmful to those being turned away but also becomes an idealistic standard that many with the disorder strive to become. Given that an eating disorder has an extremely competitive mindset and strives for validation. (Geller et al., 2021) This is known as reinforcing harmful behaviour (hello@kuma.agency, 2026) as a direct result of medical neglect.
The reality is every person’s body is different deriving from genetics to environmental locations, and the restriction of food is more harmful to their inner health systems than the stereotypical outlook of their physical state. These varied health profiles signifies that there is no universal approach for all eating disorder cases. Instead, a different approach specific to the distinct patient is necessary. Therefore, the criteria of admission can’t be a one size fits all approach either. As a mental health condition not a weight disorder (Thrope, 2026) it is more important that the underlying reason is addressed through therapy-based treatments and not exclusively on weight restoration. This idea is backed up by a study completed by European Eating Disorders Review in 2024 that concluded that the weight gained by anorexia patients had no correlation with their disordered behaviour. (Behaviorneuro.com, 2024)
This disconnection (Behaviorneuro.com, 2024) can provide an insight into the realities of the disorder that go against the well-known stereotype of it being exclusively to lose weight. For this reason, more professionals such as expert therapists in the field are ensuring treatment is addressing both their physical and mental health. (UK eating disorder statistics 2025 - WeightMatters, 2025) This holistic view gives a better chance for a long-term recovery when all parts the disorder has taken control over is taken into account. When one part is lacking in support often the emotional side, it can reduce the effectiveness of any previous action given since it is the brain-based side that has control over the patient’s thoughts and behaviour and without proper intervention it remains acting in a disordered manner.
