As a family battles to come to terms with the devastating loss of a bright and popular teenager, many others like them are struggling to cope with the destructive effects of eating disorders.

Figures from Hampshire’s health officials show the number of people with conditions such as anorexia and bulimia has risen by 52 per cent in just 12 months.

The Hampshire Partnership NHS Trust, which provides a specialist Community Eating Disorder Service, reports the number of referrals jumped from 257 in 2006/2007 to 393 in 2007/2008.

These worrying statistics come just 24 hours after the funeral of Brockenhurst College student, Alice Rae.

Despite appearing to be a young girl with everything to live for, a loving family, countless friends and a place at Cambridge University, Alice fell victim to the ravages of anorexia.

She had been receiving treatment from the Eastleigh eating disorder clinic and was under full-time NHS care, but Alice tragically lost her two-year battle with the disorder.

It was her mum, Dr Christine Rae, who made the heartbreaking discovery at their Houghton home – Alice had died in her sleep.

Tributes to the “beautiful and clever” teenager, who achieved nine A* GCSEs, have flooded in since her death.

Di Roberts, principal of Brockenhurst College said: “Alice had achieved so much and had such a bright future.”

So why is it so many more people seem to be getting drawn into the psychological turmoil that drives otherwise ambitious and intelligent people to starve themselves?

The trust puts some of the rise down to the expansion of its services to cover Fareham, Gosport and East Hampshire but believes increasing awareness is encouraging more sufferers to seek help.

That is a view shared by eating distress coach Ronnie Murray. She battled bulimia for ten years and is glad more people seem to be taking that first vital step to get help.

She said: “Although at first it seems a shocking rise, it’s actually really encouraging.

“It takes a lot of courage to mention they have a problem that they can no longer control.

struggle “The fact that people are coming forward to get help now, when statistically 90 per cent of people with eating disorders actually struggle on their own within the community, is quite positive.

“This shows there must also be a lot more awareness within the health profession about the severity of this problem, how quickly it can escalate and how important it is to catch it early.”

Ronnie does warn that although recovery rates are much higher amongst those who receive early treatment, putting pressure on a loved one who you suspect has a problem is not advisable.

“Letting emotions override the situation runs the risk of making that person even more entrenched and determined to keep their problems hidden,” Ronnie explained.

“There can be a lot of anger, frustration and fear of living with a child who’s not eating, so I’d recommend parents get advice on how to broach the subject.”

The contributory factors that lead someone to develop anorexia or bulimia, Ronnie explained, are very complex but often linked.

They usually include poor role modelling, an obsession with body conscious celebrities and the loss of control in another area of their lives.

She also added that some people though are pre-disposed to developing such conditions, if they have an addictive personality or if there are mental health problems in the family.

Each year Parentline Plus receives hundreds of calls from parents worried about eating disorders.

Hilary Chamberlain, policy manager for the national charity, said: “Parents can ring us at any time and they will find a sympathetic voice at the end of the phone.

“We’ll make sure families get the right contact details for specialist organisations.”

Ronnie added: “Those who develop an eating disorder are usually very determined people, often perfectionists, who want all or nothing. It is those characteristics that give them the drive not to eat despite their whole body screaming out for food.

“But there is plenty of help available and it can be beaten.”

The warning signs

  • Preoccupation with body or weight
  • Obsession with calories, food, or nutrition
  • Constant dieting, even when thin
  • Rapid, unexplained weight loss or gain
  • Taking laxatives or diet pills
  • Compulsive exercising
  • Making excuses to get out of eating
  • Avoiding social situations involving food
  • Going to the bathroom after meals
  • Eating alone, at night, or in secret
  • Hoarding high-calorie food