Experts warn of rising eating disorders among youth in Canada

Recent statistics reveal a troubling increase in eating disorders among Canadian youth, particularly teenage girls. Hospitalizations for these disorders have surged, prompting experts to call for immediate attention to treatment and prevention strategies.

Kristyne Agabob, a 34-year-old who struggled with an eating disorder for 15 years, shares her journey. After her body changed during puberty, she was encouraged by her doctor to join a weight-loss program. This experience led her down a harmful path of binging and starving, as she sought to meet societal expectations of body image. Agabob now works with Looking Glass, an organization focused on eating disorder support, emphasizing the mental toll that these disorders take. “The thoughts of food and body consumed everything,” she said, illustrating how these issues can overshadow daily life.

The Canadian Mental Health Association reports that approximately 6% of Canadians are diagnosed with eating disorders, while nearly 30% exhibit behaviors that increase their risk of developing these conditions. This alarming trend disproportionately affects young people and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

The three primary types of eating disorders include: – **Anorexia**: Individuals perceive themselves as overweight and restrict their food intake to dangerous levels. About 10% of those with anorexia die from health complications or suicide. – **Bulimia**: This disorder is characterized by binge eating followed by purging. Unlike anorexia, individuals with bulimia may maintain a normal weight, making it harder to detect. – **Binge Eating Disorder**: People consume large amounts of food in one sitting and feel unable to stop, often feeling guilt or depression afterward. Unlike bulimia, they do not purge.

Eating disorders often begin during adolescence or early adulthood, affecting not only physical health but also academic performance and relationships. However, experts argue that these disorders are often overlooked compared to other mental health issues, leading to inadequate funding for research and treatment.

Lisa Brooks, executive director of Looking Glass, notes the widespread misconception that eating disorders only affect young, thin, Caucasian females. The reality is more complex; factors such as social media, cultural pressures, and the isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to the rising incidence.

Data from Looking Glass indicates a tripling of clients in their in-person peer support program from 2019 to 2024, highlighting the growing need for resources. Online peer support also doubled during this period. In response to the increased demand, the organization expanded its counseling services, growing from 15 clients in 2021 to 255 by 2023.

Margaret Noel, a clinical counselor specializing in eating disorders, emphasizes the importance of compassion when supporting individuals struggling with these issues. She advocates for conversations that focus on underlying struggles rather than food and weight.

Despite the growing awareness of eating disorders, barriers to accessing treatment remain significant. Brooks reports that less than half of individuals needing care can access it due to costs, long waiting lists, and a shortage of trained healthcare professionals. The federal government allocates more funding for research into autism than for eating disorders, despite the higher prevalence of eating disorder diagnoses.

In British Columbia, a 2023 survey found that 14% of children and teens had intentionally vomited after eating, nearly double the rate from ten years prior. Nationally, 40% of nine-year-old girls have engaged in dieting behaviors, indicating a troubling trend regarding body image and weight.

Hospitalizations for eating disorders among girls aged 12 to 17 increased by 67% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, the rate was stable at about four per 10,000. This figure rose to seven per 10,000 from 2020 to 2022, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatment options. Conversely, hospitalization rates among boys remain much lower, at fewer than one per 10,000.

Brooks expresses concern that many individuals remain undiagnosed because they do not fit the stereotypical image of someone with an eating disorder. She urges healthcare providers to conduct routine screenings for eating disorders during check-ups, particularly for those experiencing unexplained weight changes.

The Canadian Paediatric Society estimates that 5% of children in Canada have eating disorders, which often begin during adolescence. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical, as early intervention can lead to better recovery outcomes.

Overall, the increasing prevalence of eating disorders among youth in Canada necessitates a reevaluation of how these conditions are treated and perceived in society. Efforts must focus on improving access to care, increasing awareness, and fostering supportive environments for those affected.