Wera Hobhouse MP Calls for Urgent Action to Tackle Eating Disorder Related Suicides on World Suicide Prevention Day

Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath and Chair of the Eating Disorders All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), has marked World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10th) by urging the Government to take action to reduce the number of lives lost to suicide, particularly among those suffering from eating disorders.

Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of all mental illnesses, with suicide being a major contributing factor. One in five people with anorexia nervosa who die do so by suicide. People with eating disorders are also significantly more likely to self-harm, experience suicidal ideation, or attempt suicide compared to the general population.

Mrs Hobhouse met with the charity Samaritans to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, where they discussed the need for joined-up thinking across suicide prevention.

Research shows that young people with eating disorders and depression are five to six times more likely to have suicidal thoughts, with one study finding that 25% of people with anorexia (15.7% for AN-R and 44.1% for AN-BP), 31% with bulimia, and 23% with binge eating disorder had attempted suicide. Many also suffer with other co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, mood disorders, or substance use.

One of these preventable deaths was Zara Taylor, who tragically died by suicide in 2021 after nearly a decade of battling an eating disorder. She was just 24 years old.

Hope Virgo, campaigner and founder of Dump The Scales, said:

“Suicide and eating disorders are not just statistics, they are devastating realities that tear through families and communities. I know firsthand what it feels like to believe that suicide is the only way out. Too many people are still left to feel this way. We must confront the stigma, demand better support, and ensure no one suffers alone. We urgently need a confidential inquiry into avoidable deaths from eating disorders, many of which are by suicide. These illnesses are treatable. Deaths from eating disorders are not inevitable, but without proper care, they remain tragically common.”

Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath and Chair of the Eating Disorders All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), commented:

“Suicide prevention must not overlook those with eating disorders. These are complex, life-threatening conditions with some of the highest suicide rates of any mental illness. Since the election, we have heard very little from the Government on how it will tackle this issue in its suicide prevention strategy. I urge the Government to properly consider the connection between eating disorders and suicide and ensure joined-up policies that prevent avoidable deaths.”

The Bath MP’s call to action comes ahead of the Eating Disorders APPG’s forthcoming Prevention of Eating Disorder Deaths Strategy. The first of its kind, the strategy is dedicated to the memory of Zara Taylor and will set out clear steps to prevent further lives from being needlessly lost.

Further Support:

Samaritans: Samaritan's is the leading suicide prevention charity. Whatever you are going through, a Samaritan is available to chat to 24hrs a day, they are waiting for your call.

Call 116-123 or Email jo@samaritans.org

Papyrus: If you’re under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or if you are concerned about a young person who might be struggling and thinking about suicide, you can contact Papyrus HOPELINE247.

Call 0800 068 4141 or Text 07786 209 697 or Email pat@papyrus-uk.org 

National Suicide Prevention Helpline: The UK’s National Suicide Prevention Helpline offers a supportive listening service to anyone 18+ with thoughts of suicide.

Call 0800 689 5652

Shout: If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.

Text shout to 85258