Most young women in our society “feel” fat (when they are not), and many wish that they could lose weight. Some will go to extremes and develop devastating eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia.

The plight of four such women is the subject of the Douglas’ next Frames of Mind documentary, Thin. This film, directed by Lauren Greenfield, chronicles the intense emotional journey through which people with eating disorders travel. It also helps provide a greater understanding of these disturbingly frequent eating disorders. Director of the Douglas’ Eating Disorders Program, Howard Steiger, PhD, will host the evening.

“Eating disorders are complex illnesses, characterized by an intense preoccupation with food, weight and body image, and are usually accompanied by potentially serious problems of mood, self control, and self image,” says Steiger. “Thin does an excellent job of portraying how these illnesses can have serious consequences. It is important to remember that it is not necessary to accept living with an eating disorder. Proper treatment works.”

The Douglas’ Eating Disorders Program is the only large-scale clinical, teaching, and research program focused on eating disorders in the province. Howard Steiger’s team has found that eating disorders result from a variety of factors, including psychological traits, genetics, and, invariably, too much dieting.

“Improved awareness of eating disorders leads to better treatment and prevention efforts, and helps people in need seek help without shame,” adds Steiger. Through Frames of Mind and our other initiatives, the Douglas is striving to reach as many individuals as possible, to let them know there is no shame in having a mental illness, and that there are many successful treatment approaches.”

WHAT: Frames of Mind: screening of Thin, hosted by Howard Steiger, PhD
WHERE: Douglas Hall, Douglas Hospital, 6875 LaSalle Blvd.,Verdun
WHEN: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.