February 3rd, 2020, North Vancouver, B.C.
Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness and high rates of comorbid trauma, substance use disorders, anxiety, and depression. Eating disorders affect over a million Canadians. Another 2-4 million Canadians struggle with disordered eating and body image issues but either do not meet criteria for an eating disorder diagnosis or do not seek help. Though serious, eating disorders can be treated.
According to the 2018 BC Adolescent Health Survey unhealthy eating behaviours are on the rise for boys, girls, and non-binary youth in BC. The percentage of boys who intentionally vomited after eating at least once over the past year increased from 5% to 11%, and the percentage of girls increased from 10% to 14% while 9% of youth reported intentionally vomiting at least one per month (McCreary Centre Society, 2018).
In a survey of Canadian teachers, 38% agreed that eating disorders are a pressing concern for student mental health, 87% however, felt underequipped to offer support. Left untreated disordered eating can become entrenched or complicated by comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Disordered eating and body image issues often begin at a young age. Research shows children exposed to more TV and media begin to form preferences for thinner bodies as young as 3-5 years old. Experts agree early intervention is critically important.
“The earlier we help children foster healthy attitudes with their bodies and their relationship with food, the less likely children will develop disordered eating behaviours,” says Joanna Zelichowska, manager of Jessie’s Legacy Eating Disorders Prevention. “We need to get serious about prevention efforts that start with parents and caregivers in the home.”
Teaching parents to be conscious of how they talk about their bodies and to model an attitude of acceptance of body diversity can go a long way in shaping children’s attitudes about their own bodies and feelings of self-worth.
Jessie’s Legacy Eating Disorders Prevention Program has developed a pocket-sized resource that provides parents with concrete advice on the do’s and don’ts to support their child to develop a healthy body image and healthy relationship with food.
This year Jessie’s Legacy is highlighting the importance of early prevention by helping families to raise resilient kids with healthy self-esteem in addition to the other awareness building events happening for Provincial Eating Disorders Awareness Week (PEDAW), February 1-7th, 2020.
PEDAW raises awareness for eating disorders and provides education about media literacy, resiliency, building healthy body image, and self-esteem. This year on February 1st, communities across BC will be uniting to share the #showpurplelove message on social media and through ‘purple lightings’ of landmarks, wearing purple, and the Love Our Bodies Love Ourselves signature wristbands.
About Jessie’s Legacy Eating Disorders Prevention:
Jessie’s Legacy is a program created and operated by Family Services of the North Shore. It is an innovative provincial program which provides education, resources and inspiration to prevent eating disorders and address disordered eating.
Media Inquiries:
Joanna Zelichowska, Program Manager, Jessie’s Legacy
Email: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
Phone: 604 988 5281 ext. 247 Cell: 604 727 5114
PEDAW toolkit and event listings: jessieslegacy.com/pedaw<http://jessieslegacy.com/pedaw>
