A total of 1.6 million people are affected by eating disorders

Body image has become an increasingly concerning issue, with girls aged 12-20 most at risk. The image portrayed as 'perfect' by the media and magazines may be the main cause of this issue.

A young ambassador from Beat, a charity supporting people with eating disorders, has recovered from anorexia and said: 'I think the images of really thin, underweight models are harmful to people who might be very vulnerable if they are worried about their body image.'

Many young readers are not aware that these photos are repeatedly edited to produce this unrealistic image.

This often leads young people to believe that this shape is achievable, and many also believe that this is the way they should be.

The young ambassador also said: 'Glamorised bodies like this rarely even exist. Even now I feel really inadequate when I see such pictures.'

A survey consisting of 100 young people, 50 female, 50 male, aged 11-16, suggests that girls are largely affected by this issue.

Fifty-two per cent said they were self-conscious about how they looked, and a total of 73pc of these young people were female.

Seventy-one per cent of the self-conscious girls said they would want to lose weight, and 100pc had healthy BMIs.

Luckily, organisations such as Beat and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services are set up to support young people and their families in their recoveries from eating disorders.

A 15-year-old, who is still recovering from anorexia after two years, said: 'Beat are very approachable and I can always contact them with any worries.

'Beat ran a parent support group for my mum, which helped her to understand about my disorder and how to look after me at home.

'They proved extremely helpful to the both of us.'

If you have any concerns about eating, weight or shape then you can contact Beat on its helpline or email. Youth Helpline (under 25): Contact 0845 634 7650 or email fyp@b-eat.co.uk Adult Helpline (over 18): Contact 0845 634 1414 or email help@b-eat.co.uk

Alice Wilson, 15, Wymondham College