Growing at-risk groups for eating disorders: men and children
By Kate Hargreaves
Lance Writer
February 6, 2008
 Student Health Services hopes to aid in the fight against eating disorders, which have the highest fatality rate of any mental illness, through its Eating Disorder Awareness Week from Feb. 3-9.
“The theme of the week is ‘Beauty Starts from Within,’” said health promotion nurse, Judi Wilson, of Student Health Services.
Student Health Services is collaborating with the Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association (BANA) and the Womyn’s Centre for the seventh annual information campaign. The goal is to encourage people to be happy with their bodies and also aware of the media’s influence in defining beauty.
Students can sign a mirror after considering “the thing I like best about myself.” The aim is to make people stop and think about the beauty in their bodies. “It’s a really positive exercise,” asserted Wilson.
The display, which runs in the CAW Student Centre on Feb. 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Vanier Hall from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., also involves a myth or reality game, where participants answer three questions on eating disorder myths and receive ballot to win a DVD player.
In addition, the Womyn’s Centre will host a screening of the film “Still Killing Us Softly,” which deals with negative media portrayals of the body. The film will be shown on Feb. 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second floor of the CAW Student Centre.
Windsor’s BANA also plays a major role in this campaign by dealing with any fixation on food, diet, or weight. This includes anorexia, bulimia, and exercise addiction, as well as binge eating.
Luciana Rosu, health promotion manager at BANA, said that people often do not consider binge eating an eating disorder. “Everybody’s got a convoluted idea,” she said of public perception on eating disorders.
Another myth perpetuated is that eating disorders only affect women. Although Rosu explained that eating disorders comprise of 90 per cent females and 10 per cent males, she indicated that instances in males are increasing.
Surprisingly, the fastest growing age group affected by eating disorders are children as young as seven. The highest risk, however, remains with women in their twenties said Rosu.
The National Eating Disorder Information Centre claims that approximately three per cent of women will be affected by an eating disorder in their lifetime. They also report that for females between 15 and 24, the annual death rate for anorexia is over 12 times that of all other causes of death.
Because of the seriousness of these conditions, Student Health Services wants to increase awareness of the help available for eating disorders on campus. A BANA therapist is available every Thursday morning at the Health Services Office to talk to anyone about their concerns. Individuals can also contact BANA’s Windsor office for more support. This not only applies to individuals looking for help for themselves, but anyone worried about a friend or family member.
Rosu concluded that knowing about these resources within the community is important for seeking help and preventing tragedy. “There is a lot of denial. It is not easy approaching somebody.”
She recommends not talking directly about weight or food, but instead focusing on body image. “Approaching somebody can be tough but getting help early is really important,” added Rosu.
To speak confidentially to a therapist about food or weight issues contact Student Health Services at 519-973-7002, or BANA at 519-969-2112.
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