Pandemic fuelling rise in eating disorders among young people, B.C. expert says
A growing fourth wave of COVID-19 cases and uncertainties around the new school year could make kids and teens more susceptible to eating disorders, according to one expert.
Registered clinical counsellor Joanna Zelichowska, the manager of Jessie's Legacy, an eating disorder prevention program in North Vancouver, said when the world seems chaotic and uncertain, people can focus on their eating habits and exercise in order to regain a sense of control.
“All the conditions of the pandemic in terms of isolation, uncertainty and increased anxiety are all things that can make people more susceptible to feeling like they need to gain control in their lives,” Zelichowska told CTV Morning Live on Tuesday.
“We’ve seen an increase in folks who already had a susceptibility to eating disorders – and for some folks, this is happening for the first time.”
Warning signs include a focus on eating or movement that is having a negative impact on a young person's life, according to the counsellor. That could mean spending time feeling preoccupied by food choices, or "perhaps not wanting to eat food other people prepared because you're not sure of the nutrient value or the caloric value," Zelichowska said.
An increased amount of screen time and social media during the pandemic has not helped, she added.
“We’re not having that real world comparison of seeing people in everyday life, in their normal messiness. We only see what we call the highlight reel – the really perfected photos – and naturally we’re comparing ourselves against that.”
Zelichowska suggests curating one's social media experience. She said looking at beautifully staged photos of celebrities, models and fitness influencers can make people feel poorly about themselves. Instead, she recommended looking at things that are related to one's hobbies and interests to get a more diverse picture.
And she said parents can help their kids by talking to them in a curious, open and non-judgemental way.
“I always encourage families to zoom out a little bit, not just totally zero in on the food,” said Zelichowska. “Start a conversation with teens about what’s going on in their lives, their stressors and that way you create a place of safety for your kids to share.”
Jessie’s Legacy has developedscre ening tests on its website to help people tell if their focus on food or body image is becoming unhealthy.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Western University researchers unlock potential 'cure' for ALS
New research out of London, Ont.'s Western University is shedding light on a potential cure for ALS, in which the targeting of the interaction between two proteins can halt or fully reverse the disease's progression.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Kamala Harris drops F-bomb during White House live-stream
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris used a profanity on Monday while offering advice to young Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders about how to break through barriers.
B.C. man fighting for refund after finding someone living at Whistler vacation rental
Edwin Mostered spent thousands of dollars booking a vacation home in Whistler, B.C., for a group skiing trip earlier this year – or so he thought.
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Collapsed Baltimore bridge span comes down with a boom after crews set off chain of explosives
Crews conducted a controlled demolition Monday to break down the largest remaining span of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Security video caught admitted serial killer disposing of bodies in Winnipeg garbage bins
Security video caught admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki on multiple late-night outings, disposing of body parts in nearby garbage bins and dumpsters in the middle of the night.
Mortgage companies could intensify the next recession, U.S. officials warn
U.S. officials worry the next recession could be intensified by a cascading series of failures in the mortgage industry caused by crashing home prices, frozen financial markets and soaring delinquencies.