YASMIN Qureshi has warned of 'shadow pandemics' throughout society, in relation to a growing list of issues affecting people due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Bolton South-East MP addressed eating disorders (EDs)in a message to her constituents, saying she has "frequently received correspondence" regarding them.

She said: "A recent report released by the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee, outlined that lockdown had had a 'devastating' impact on those with eating disorders or individuals at high risk of developing issues with their image.

"This reports comes in addition to the worrying calls from campaigners and leading psychiatrists who speak of a 'state of emergency' when discussing eating disorders.

"Hospital admissions have risen fourfold in the past year and without extra investment the results could be catastrophic."

She called the current pandemic "all-encapsulating", and said that we are seeing the emergence of “shadow pandemics” throughout society, with eating disorders an example of a crisis "bubbling over, ready to erupt at any moment."

Ms Qureshi described claims around the Body Mass Index (BMI) metric as the "most concerning aspect of this report."

BMI is a figure which is derived from an individual’s height and weight but has long been criticised as an unbalanced and inaccurate indicator of physical health.

Ms Qureshi added: "When treating people with eating disorders medical professionals should take a holistic approach and understand that people have complex needs and issues.

"As we emerge out of the pandemic I will be keeping a keen interest in how the UK Government implement the suggestions of the report and allay the concerns of myself and many others."