Eating disorders are often blamed on ubiquitous images of too-thin models, but one expert says there are other, not so obvious factors.
"We find it literally almost on every surface on the globe," said Dr. Howard Steiger, Eating Disorders Program Director at the Douglas Mental health University Institute. "Throughout history really, at times when people didn't seem to be so excited about the idea of being thin."
Feb. 5 to 11 is eating disorders awareness week. He says that disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia are seen more often in women and girls, men and boys do develop the problems too.
While everyone is subject to social pressure there are some people who are psychologically and biologically predisposed to eating disorders. The Institute is currently studying genes that are turned on after frequent dieting, that may play a role in the development of the ailments.
"But we shouldn't over look one thing: there is a social responsibility side here," said Steiger. "You can't develop an eating disorder if you don't diet or if you don't become conscious of body weight and controlling it. And so a social environment that encourages most people to feel they should be thinner than they are is certainly an important factor."
As part of eating disorders awareness week, the Douglas is helping to circulate a set of proposed guidelines for the fashion industry.
The guidelines were created by the Academy for Eating Disorders. The Douglas is circulating the suggested rules, which include setting minimum ages and body mass indexes for models, to various fashion magazines and designers in Canada.
For more information, contact the Douglas at 514-761-6131, or www.douglas.qc.ca
