A new report has shown startling figures of young children in New Zealand are largely suffering from diseases caused due to eating habits. It has been found by the report that children of age six and above have been continuing to be diagnosed with eating disorders leading to numerous hospitalizations each year.

The reports from Manawatu Standard under the Official Information Act nearly from 10 district health boards across the country have revealed that approximately 14 children are admitted to hospitals in the MidCentral DHB region. The reason behind the same has been found to be their poor eating habits.

It is being said that most of the young children of age six and above that are being hospitalized each year are patients of anorexia and bulimia nervosa. According to findings of the report, nearly 20% of patients of anorexia also tend to die from their disease. It has been revealed that anorexia nervosa is the result of distorted body image and a deep fear of gaining weight. Also, it can occur in children who refuse to eat good to maintain a healthy body weight.

The other disease which has been commonly affecting young children and adults is bulimia nervosa, which is caused by binge eating and shows purging behaviours further, including excessive exercise and taking laxatives.

Data has shown that number of patients suffering from these diseases has increased over past four years considerably. And it has equally been found that those being treated in hospitals are in their worst conditions in terms of weight. It has been found that the current situation is the result of lack of service provision and care at health centers. Thus, the report concludes that there is a great need for parents to improve children’s eating habits as well as doctors to take proper care of hospitalized kids.