Sign in
☰
People MPsHouse of LordsGovernmentOppositionPartiesCommittees Votes Commons votesLords votesVotes by issueTopicsStats & rankingsParliament in numbers Legislation BillsEarly day motionsPetitions Elections Election resultsConstituenciesWho is my MP? Scotland OverviewMSPsScottish GovernmentVotesBillsMotionsCommitteesConstituencies & regionsElections Search Sign in

Petition · past parliament · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Review use of BMI in diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders

Closed 4,631 signatures

What the petition asks

We are concerned people are not receiving the correct help for eating disorders, due to their BMI showing them as being a "healthy weight". This can mean that eating disorders go undiagnosed and untreated. Reliance on BMI also fails to acknowledge that eating disorders are mental health conditions.
I was diagnosed with anorexia in February 2023 but only received the help I needed on my third admission to hospital when my heart rate dropped to a dangerously low level in April 2023. I reached out for help in November 2022 but as my BMI is ranked as "healthy" I was not categorised as needing immediate help. As a gymnast I have a lot of muscle mass hence why my BMI is regarded at this level, disregarding the fact my condition was worsening. The use of BMI is an outdated measure of individuals.

Timeline

12 Apr 2023 Petition opened for signatures
12 Oct 2023 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 4,631
Status Closed
Department Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened 12 Apr 2023
Closed 12 Oct 2023

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.