With disordered eating on the rise, how can we prevent the development of eating disorders? What is the key to prevention? Here’s how you can help family and friends
By Priscilla DiCarlo
Gillian doesn’t remember exactly when or why, but one day, at the age of 18, she set out to lose some weight. Before she was even aware of it, she became obsessed with exercising and counting calories. At 6’0 tall, she lost 46 lbs., dropping down to a scant 104 lbs.
Maryanne’s* 12-year-old daughter ate only chicken caesar salad at mealtimes. Her family, thinking it was nothing more than a health kick, dubbed it the ‘chicken caesar salad diet.’ However, when others began commenting on how thin she looked, Maryanne began bringing her to the doctor for monthly check-ups. It was soon discovered that although she had grown four inches in height, she was consistently losing weight.
Both of these young women were diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, a clinical eating disorder in which the sufferer develops an obsession with being thinner and controlling their eating. Stories like these have become so common amongst teenage girls that they almost fail to shock. According to statistics gathered by the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC), eating disorders are now the third most common chronic illness in adolescent girls.
In recent times, however, the scope of eating disorders has increased tremendously, to encompass both females and males and a much broader age bracket. Amy*, a counselor who successfully battled bulimia herself and now helps others at the Hopewell Outreach Centre in Ottawa, notes that eating disorders such as bulimia and binge-eating disorder have sky-rocketed and that a significant number of those being affected by these eating disorders are older women, boys and men.
The positive side of the coin is that eating disorders, as well as food and weight preoccupations can be prevented and it is also possible to prevent existing disorders from getting worse. We all have the power to make a difference and to exert a positive influence on the people around us to stop them from hating their bodies, thinking too much about their weight and developing eating disorders.
There are many ways to promote a healthy lifestyle, both within the family circle and on a community scale.
*Name has been changed.
In the Family
Although many factors can contribute to the development of an eating disorder, the most common element surrounding all eating disorders is low self-esteem. By improving your own self-esteem and body image and helping your children to do the same, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of children developing an eating disorder. The following are but a few suggestions from NEDIC for prevention in the family:
• Model a healthy lifestyle. Balance work and leisure time, take care of yourself and regularly participate in exercise you enjoy.
• Teach children that their self-worth is not related to how they look. Emphasize talents and qualities not related to physical appearance.
• Do not use food as a reward or punishment. This sends the message that food leads to love and acceptance.
• Make family meals a peaceful time for enjoying food and conversation, with no other distractions such as television or telephone calls.
• Give children healthy choices. Involve them in selecting meals, shopping and cooking.
• Avoid complaining about your body, particularly in front of children.
• Teach children how to identify stress and deal with it. For example, teach them that their palms may sweat, their heart may race or their stomach may hurt. To relieve this, they can try deep breathing, taking a walk or talking about what is bothering them.
• Encourage children to question, evaluate and respond to messages in the media that promote unhealthy body image and low self-esteem.
By making a conscientious effort to apply these simple suggestions, you can make a positive difference in your own life and in that of your children.
In the Community
Getting involved in community efforts to raise awareness of eating disorders is another preventative measure. One local organization that can benefit from your time and/or charitable donations is Eating Disorders of York Region, established in 2004 to fill an urgent need for help and support groups for individuals, families and friends in York Region. They also organize an annual fundraiser, the ‘Wings of Hope Gala.’ At the EDOYR website (www.edoyr.com) you can fill out an application form to become a member or simply to volunteer for various events. In their ‘Shop’ section you can check out various items such as wrist bands and key rings, available for a minimal donation.
Efforts being made on a global scale include the establishment of the annual Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW). In Canada, this takes place during the first full week of February and continues to be a success in increasing public awareness of the factors causing eating disorders and weight preoccupations. To support this initiative, you can check out the current and past event listings on the NEDIC website (www.nedic.ca) for ideas on activities and events in which you can participate.
Treatment and Support
What should you do if you know or suspect that someone in your life has an eating disorder? Seek help immediately. This point cannot be overemphasized for two reasons:
1) professional help is almost always required to treat an eating disorder successfully, and
2) the longer symptoms are denied or ignored, the harder the recovery will be.
No matter how difficult it may seem to approach someone you care about, and even if they deny they have a problem or try to push you away, rest assured that they still need your support. Gillian, quoted at the outset, feels very strongly on this point. “Never give up on the person, no matter how bad the situation may seem,” she says. “Don’t stop your support, because it’s not about you as the helper. It’s about them.” Amy from Hopewell Centre agrees, encouraging people to view the eating disorder as a separate entity from the person so that we don’t end up blaming that person.
‘But what do I tell my friend?’ you may wonder. The NEDIC web site suggests telling them that you are concerned about their health, while taking care to respect their privacy. Amy also recommends telling them that it doesn’t need to be embarrassing, as the person may be feeling ashamed about their eating disorder. We can also be encouraging by affirming our friends’ strengths and interests that are not related to food or physical appearance. It is wise to leave out comments about food, weight or the way they look altogether, and focus on feelings and relationships instead. You can offer your friend helpful information, such as a pamphlet for a support centre, and also seek out more information yourself. By being patient and compassionate, and keeping the doors of communication open if they don’t want to talk at first our friends will be assured of just how much we care.
• Name has been changed.
• In the case of a child or minor, more direct action and guidance may be required, but we should likewise respect the rights and feelings of the individual.
Resources
NEDIC The National Eating Disorder Information Centre is a Canadian, non-profit organization that provides information and resources on eating disorders and weight preoccupation.
Web: www.nedic.ca
Eating Disorders of York Region Eating Disorders of York Region is a non-profit organization, established in 2004 to provide hope, support, drop-in services, community outreach, education and awareness, and resources for all those who are affected by eating disorders.
Web: www.edoyr.com
Tel: 905-886-6632
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
