Experten warnen vor zunehmenden Essstörungen und mangelnder Unterstützung

Eating disorders are on the rise in Canada, with recent data showing alarming trends in hospitalizations and diagnoses. Kristyne Agabob, a 34-year-old who struggled with an eating disorder, highlights the life-altering nature of these conditions. After a hospitalization at 28, Agabob realized she had an eating disorder, a moment she describes as a ‘light-bulb moment.’ Since then, she has become involved with Looking Glass, an organization that supports individuals dealing with eating disorders.

A national survey conducted in July 2024 revealed that nearly one-third of Canadians engage in behaviors that put them at high risk for developing an eating disorder, including dieting and restrictive eating. Currently, about 6% of Canadians have diagnosed eating disorders, which include anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) identifies anorexia and bulimia as more common among women, while binge-eating disorder affects all genders equally.

Eating disorders often begin in adolescence or young adulthood and can severely impact physical and mental health, education, and relationships. Despite their prevalence, these disorders receive less public attention and funding compared to other mental health issues. Lisa Brooks, executive director of Looking Glass, emphasizes the urgent need for increased resources and community-based programs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation, leading to a tripling of clients in Looking Glass’s in-person peer support program from 2019 to 2024. The organization also expanded its counseling services from 15 clients in 2021 to 255 by 2023. Social media and cultural pressures contribute to unrealistic body standards, making it essential to identify and address eating disorders early.

Margaret Noel, a registered clinical counsellor, notes that many individuals with eating disorders experience shame and fear regarding their bodies. She urges loved ones to approach those struggling with compassion, focusing on emotional struggles rather than food and weight. Noel’s own experience as a long-distance runner led her to develop an eating disorder, illustrating how common these issues can be among athletes.

Brooks calls for more treatment options and specialized programs, noting that less than 50% of individuals can access the care they need. Barriers include costs, long waiting lists, and a shortage of trained healthcare professionals. The need for awareness and education about eating disorders is critical, especially among families, who should avoid discussing food in terms of ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ Instead, neutral conversations can help prevent unhealthy relationships with food.

Looking Glass served over 1,000 clients in 2024, with a significant portion identifying as part of the 2SLGTBQIA+ community. The Canadian Paediatric Society estimates that 5% of children in Canada have eating disorders, which often begin in adolescence. However, diagnosis can be delayed for individuals who do not fit the typical stereotypes, such as males, racial minorities, and those with higher body weights.

A 2023 survey in British Columbia found that 14% of children and teens reported intentionally vomiting after eating, nearly double the rate from a decade prior. Nationally, 40% of nine-year-old girls have attempted to lose weight. Hospitalizations for eating disorders increased by two-thirds during the pandemic, with girls aged 12 to 17 representing most new admissions.

Individuals hospitalized for anorexia face a five-fold increased risk of death compared to the general population, while bulimia carries a two-fold risk. Eating disorders rank among the highest mortality rates of all mental health conditions, surpassed only by toxic drug overdoses.

Looking Glass aims to bridge gaps in services by partnering with the Provincial Health Services Authority to provide a residential treatment facility. They offer outpatient peer support and low-cost counseling, supporting those struggling with disordered eating regardless of an official diagnosis.

Agabob shares her journey of recovery, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the signs of eating disorders and seeking help, even if one does not fit the stereotypical image. She encourages individuals to trust their instincts and reach out for support, as eating disorders thrive in isolation. Recovery is possible and can lead to a more fulfilling life, free from the obsessions that once dominated her thoughts.

“Life seems so much more exciting now,” Agabob reflects, speaking to the transformative potential of recovery. Today, she maintains a healthy relationship with food and encourages others to do the same.