27% of teens in peril from dieting - Health - National Eating Disorder Information Centre report says - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Community Action, March 18, 2002

TORONTO -- Over 27% of Ontario adolescents are engaged in dangerous weight-loss practices, according to Merryl Bear, Director of the National Eating Disorder Information Centre. The organization reports that:

* 80% of teen girls are unhappy with their bodies and weight, if they are "under" or "normal" weight;

* 35% of "normal" dieters develop severe food and weight preoccupation, often resulting in anorexia or bulimia;

* Eating disorders is the third most chronic condition in adolescent females;

* 35% of "normal" dieters will go on to develop severely disturbed food and weight attitudes and behaviours.

Girls who smoke to suppress their appetites are the highest group of new nicotine addicts.