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
Most wanted fugitive in Canada arrested in Charlottetown, P.E.I.
The most wanted fugitive in Canada was arrested in Charlottetown, P.E.I., Tuesday night.
Poilievre unrepentant over calling Trudeau 'wacko' as his MPs say Speaker should resign
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he does not regret calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'wacko,' and now his MPs are renewing calls for the House of Commons Speaker to resign, this time over ordering the Official Opposition leader to leave the chamber.
How can I tell if I have norovirus? Expert explains symptoms
The highly contagious norovirus is spreading across Canada, with some symptoms overlapping with other viruses. CTVNews.ca spoke with a health expert to find out how you can tell you have norovirus, the most common form of stomach flu, and what to do if you have it.
Doctors dealing with at least 160 Canadians suffering eye damage possibly linked to looking at the eclipse
Nearly a month after the total solar eclipse, at least 160 cases of eye damage have been reported across the country.
Ontario's police watchdog continues probe of high-speed pursuit involving fatal crash
The investigation continues into a collision that killed two grandparents and their infant grandchild during a high-speed police chase on the wrong way of Highway 401 east of Toronto.
Stranded cruise passengers in Spain race to catch up with their ship
A month after eight Norwegian Cruise Line passengers were stranded in Africa when their ship left without them because they were late getting back, a U.S. couple – ages 84 and 81 – were also left behind by the cruise line in Spain.
Blair says he couldn't sell cabinet on meeting 'magical threshold' of NATO target
Defence Minister Bill Blair says he couldn't convince the Liberal cabinet that Canada's government needed to meet NATO's spending target in its recent defence policy update.
BREAKING London Drugs stores remain closed for 4th straight day after 'cybersecurity incident'
Dozens of London Drugs stores in Western Canada remained closed for the fourth straight day following a "cybersecurity incident."
No criminal charges after 4 newborn bodies found in Boston freezer
A prosecutor in Massachusetts won't seek criminal charges against anyone, two years after four newborns were found in a freezer in a South Boston apartment.