Bronwyn Black, now 24, recalls feeling content and self-assured as a child until her teenage years, when concerns about her body crept in. Initially innocently, she began exploring ways to shed a few pounds, only to find herself quickly engulfed in a cycle of disordered eating. Throughout her teens, she grappled with various eating issues exacerbated by societal norms that tied thinness to well-being and categorized food as either “good” or “bad.” However, her attempts to seek assistance from her family physician were met with dismissal.
The Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) highlights a worsening trend of adolescent dieting, emphasizing the detrimental physical and mental health repercussions. Dr. Alene Toulany, one of the authors of the updated CPS guidelines, notes a pervasive societal message, especially on social media, that idealizes thinness. This constant reinforcement, coupled with influences from peers, family, and healthcare providers, further fuels the fixation on body image among youth.
Eating disorders among Canadian youth surged during the early stages of the pandemic, with a significant uptick in calls to helplines. The CPS estimates that a third of Canadian girls aged 10 to 14 have dieted, and by Grade 8, over half of young individuals have attempted weight loss. Adolescents engaging in dieting practices risk serious health implications as it can impede their development, leading to nutritional deficiencies, hormonal irregularities, and decreased bone density.
Dr. Toulany advocates for a “health at every size” approach, emphasizing holistic well-being beyond weight metrics. This approach focuses on sustainable, healthy behaviors and a balanced diet that includes all food groups. The CPS guidelines urge healthcare professionals to screen youths for signs of disordered eating and provide necessary support, irrespective of their weight.
Bronwyn’s experience reflects a common issue where primary care physicians often overlook or downplay concerns related to disordered eating, leading to a lack of appropriate intervention. Medical gatekeeping can hinder individuals from accessing essential care and support. Aryel Maharaj from NEDIC emphasizes that healthcare providers must be vigilant about the signs of disordered eating, rather than solely focusing on weight-related health risks.
Although Black has made progress and now actively shares her story, she acknowledges that the lingering effects of her past struggles may persist. She stresses the importance of seeking help and utilizing available resources, like the NEDIC hotline, for individuals grappling with disordered eating. In a world inundated with harmful body and diet narratives, she urges young people to recognize their worth and reach out for support when needed.