Young people who diet moderately are six times more likely to develop an eating disorder, while those who diet severely have 18 times the risk, a GP has warned.

According to Dr Sinead O'Dea, who is based in Limerick, dieting behaviours and body image concerns ‘occur frequently' among teenagers and vulnerable people can be ‘easily caught up in a negative spiral'.

While only a small percentage of those who diet will go on to develop an eating disorder, ‘dieting is a major risk factor'.

"The current prevalence of eating disorders is about 1%, 85% in females, the majority aged 15-24 years. However, it is increasingly presenting in younger age groups, in males and in older women," she said.

However, Dr O'Dea insisted that even though eating disorders are complex, they are ‘very treatable'.

"The earlier they are detected the better the outcomes. However full recovery is possible even in those presenting late, once there is a willingness to engage with therapy and a commitment to persevere in the recovery process," she said.

She noted that many people affected by eating disorders do not seek help for a variety of reasons - they may not view their habits as dangerous or problematic, they may not think there are any services to help them, or they may simply lack hope that they can recover.

Dr O'Dea believes that GPs are ‘uniquely placed' to recognise early onset eating disorders, offer early intervention and co-ordinate and monitor treatment.

She pointed out that while patients may hide their disorder, research indicates that those affected tend to consult with their GP more often than their peers, ‘presenting particularly with other psychological problems, gastrointestinal symptoms and gynaecological concerns'.

Dr O'Dea warned that the first few months of a new year can be viewed as the ‘dieting months', because this is a time when many people decide to work on their bad habits.

"For those with an eating disorder, this is a time when the condition mindset is soaking up all those dieting messages," she said.

However, she added that it is essential that people realise that full recovery is possible.

"Those who recover are those who keep fighting and ask for help. Without the belief in full recovery, there can be no recovery."

Dr O'Dea is the Irish College of General Practitioners' (ICGP) clinical lead for eating disorders. She made her comments in the ICGP journal, Forum.