A troubling trend that has doctors and advocacy groups concerned is the dramatic increase in the number of Canadians reporting eating disorders.
Hospitals and clinics specializing in treating those suffering from these kinds of illnesses are seeing a rise in the number of adults and children who are seeking medical attention.
Exact figures are not known but estimates range from 150,000 to 600,000 people in Canada affected by an eating disorder.
It’s what makes this week even more important for those organizing National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDA), running Feb. 22-28.
“I had no idea” are the four words used by those promoting the week long campaign. This common refrain is heard in discussions about eating disorders, due to many misconceptions held by the general public and by those suffering from these conditions.
It’s why “I had no idea” is the theme for NEDA 2015. On their website, the organization lists some of the more serious myths when it comes to eating disorders, such as:
I had no idea … “that eating disorders are often overlooked or misdiagnosed; that my passion had become a problem; that eating disorders don’t discriminate; that bullying can trigger disordered eating; that my quest for health was making me sick; that eating disorders aren’t just a phase; that the “perfect” images I see everyday are digital illusions.”
Sara Arenson of CKUW 95.9 FM presents this fascinating discussion with Alexandra Enns on the subject of eating disorders and what she thinks the public needs to focus on during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
Ms. Enns is a Health and Wellness Assistant at the University of Winnipeg, where she is studying Communications.
