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NHS Discharges Eating Disorder Patients at Alarming BMI Levels

2/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The NHS in England is discharging patients with eating disorders from mental health units at body mass index (BMI) values as low as 12.5, below the usual threshold of 18 or 19.
Experts link these early discharges to rising NHS demand and warn of serious risks, including relapse and mortality.
Dietitian Bethany Francois and psychologist Dr. David Viljoen say such discharges contradict clinical evidence and care standards.

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Story summary

The NHS in England is discharging patients with eating disorders from mental health units at body mass index (BMI) values as low as 12.5, below the usual threshold of 18 or 19.
Experts link these early discharges to rising NHS demand and warn of serious risks, including relapse and mortality.
Dietitian Bethany Francois and psychologist Dr. David Viljoen say such discharges contradict clinical evidence and care standards.