In a major policy shift, the NHS has issued new guidance stating that a child's weight or Body Mass Index (BMI) must not be the primary factor in deciding if they receive help for an eating disorder.
A Move Away from Weight-Centric Assessments
The updated advice, published on Tuesday 20 January 2026, instructs teachers, GPs, and school nurses that BMI should not act as a barrier to a child or young person getting necessary treatment or being admitted to care. This change directly addresses long-standing criticism that an over-reliance on physical metrics has prevented many, particularly those without severe weight loss, from accessing vital support early.
Focus on Behaviour and Early Signs
Developed in partnership with the eating disorder charity Beat and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the new approach includes updated training for professionals. This training will help them identify the early behavioural signs and family-related issues associated with eating disorders, rather than waiting for physical deterioration. The aim is to enable quicker, more equitable access to specialist services.
NHS England confirmed that specialist eating disorder services for children and young people are now established in every local area across the country. Furthermore, the health service commits that treatment is typically offered within three weeks of a referral, a key benchmark for timely care.
Implications Amid Rising Demand
This significant overhaul of protocol comes at a time when demand for eating disorder services is rising. By removing the BMI filter, the NHS hopes to ensure that all children and adolescents, regardless of their weight at presentation, can receive the life-saving intervention they need. The guidance marks a crucial step towards treating eating disorders as serious mental health conditions, where psychological and behavioural symptoms are the primary indicators for help.
