Isle Of Wight MP Calls For Urgent Increase In Eating Disorder Research Funding

Isle of Wight MP Richard Quigley has met with Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock, leading eating disorder charity BEAT, and campaigner Hope Virgo to discuss the urgent need for more government funding into eating disorder research.

The meeting, held on Tuesday (21 October), followed a question Mr Quigley raised in Parliament in July, where he highlighted the “stark disparity” between the number of people affected by eating disorders and the funding allocated to understanding and treating them.

He said:

“Eating disorders cost the UK an estimated £9 billion each year, yet research into these serious conditions receives just 1% of all mental health research funding — despite affecting around 9% of people with mental health conditions.”

During the meeting, Mr Quigley called for targeted investment to improve early intervention, treatment outcomes, and long-term recovery.

He also praised the ongoing work of BEAT and Hope Virgo in raising awareness and pushing for policy change.

He added:

“We cannot continue to overlook eating disorders in our mental health strategy.

"The human and economic cost is too great. I will keep pressing the Government to ensure funding reflects the scale and seriousness of these conditions.”

Campaigner Hope Virgo said the current situation for those affected by eating disorders has worsened in recent years.

“People are unable to get treatment, being labelled as untreatable, and people are dying,” she said.

“It’s brilliant working with Richard on the APPG to help transform services.”

Mr Quigley has pledged to continue his work to improve support for people affected by eating disorders — particularly those on the Isle of Wight, where access to treatment can be more difficult due to many inpatient facilities being located on the mainland.

Ros Parker OBE, Principal and CEO of IOW College said:

"We were delighted to host such an engaging and thought provoking event at the Isle of Wight College.

"The skills summit really shone a light on the transformational impact of attracting, recruiting and retaining a talented and skilled workforce to meet local needs.

"It was so powerful to see such engagement of employers across the Island in Richard's first skills summit."